Coming AGE: 2024 DOD Budget Facial Recognition Trends in Power Supplies

2024 DOD budget PG. 4 Facial recognition PG. 12 Trends in power supplies PG.
22
APRIL 2023
THE
COMING
AI
OF AGE OF
Artificial intelligence
can reason, learn, and
adapt for machine
learning, natural
language processing, and
computer vision. PG. 14
2304MAE.indb 1 3/31/23 12:03 PM

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Contents APRIL 2023
VOL. 34, NO. 4
Certified to
AS9100D
ISO 9001:2015
DC-DC Converters
Features Transformers &
14 SPECIAL REPORT
Inductors
The coming of age of artificial intelligence
AI can reason, learn, and adapt, and encompasses capabilities such as
machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. DC-DC Converters
2V to 10,000 VDC Outputs
22 TECHNOLOGY FOCUS 1-300 Watt Modules
Power designers strive for efficiency and low SWaP • MIL/COTS/Industrial Models
• Regulated/Isolated/Adjustable
Trends in power supplies include efficiency, new device materials, Programmable Standard Models
rugged and radiation-hardened packaging, and high-voltage designs. • New High Input Voltages to 900VDC
• AS9100D Facility/US Manufactured
• Military Upgrades and
D1 DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE Custom Modules
Commercial Aerospace
www.militaryaerospace.com/subscribe Transformers
& Inductors
Columns Surface Mount & Thru Hole
• Ultra Miniature Designs
2 TRENDS 3 4 UNMANNED VEHICLES • MIL-PRF 27/MIL-PRF 21038
• DSCC Approved Manufacturing
4 NEWS 39 ELECTRO-OPTICS WATCH • Audio/Pulse/Power/EMI
Multiplex Models Available
• For Critical Applications/Pico
11 IN BRIEF 4 3 PRODUCT APPLICATIONS Modules, Over 50 Years’ Experience
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Cover photo: ID 1357199707 © 3d_kot | gettyimages.com
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W W W . M I L I TA R YA E R O S PA C E . C O M April 2023 Military+Aerospace Electronics 1
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{ Trends }
Is inflation taking a toll on

the U.S. military budget? RE
A
D
N
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) leaders are China Sea overlooking the world’s busiest com-
making a big deal of year-to-year increases in the mercial shipping lanes, and a still-volatile Middle TO
proposed 2024 DOD budget compared to this East — all this with a functionally shrinking U.S.
Th
year. DOD is asking Congress $842 billion next military budget.
year — an increase of $26 billion from this year. The defense financial picture isn’t all bleak, how- am
Sounds good, right? After all, that represents a 3.1 ever. The proposed DOD budget next year is $842 Pu
percent increase, so the Pentagon budget seems to billion; that’s still a massive amount of money. The N
be headed in the right direction ... proposed 2024 DOD budget includes spending for
G
BY John Keller ... that is, until you consider the latest U.S. air and missile defenses; hypersonic missiles; arti-
EDITOR IN CHIEF monthly inflation rate, which is 6.04 percent. That’s ficial intelligence (AI); unmanned systems; surface
sin
enough to eat-up that apparent increase, and then warships; and combat aircraft. of
some. Factor in inflation, and the DOD budget The budget includes $145 billion for research of
actually is decreasing. So much for the rosy pre- and development, as well as $170 billion for pro- ga
dictions we’re hearing about. curement — including modernizing U.S. nuclear
Inflation isn’t the only thing eating away at the forces on land, sea, and in the air. The 2024 bud- Th
DOD budget. Consider the yearlong Ukraine war, get was released in March. Fiscal 2024 begins co
which has no end in sight. According to the latest next October 1. wh
estimates, the U.S. has sent more than $75 billion to Inside the budget is $61.1 billion for combat air-
co
Ukraine over the past year which includes human- craft like the F-22, F-35, F-15EX; the B-21 bomber,
itarian, financial, and military support. That’s a big KC-46A, and unmanned aircraft; construction of us
chunk of money, a portion of which might other- nine surface warships, as well as continued fund- In
wise have been spent on U.S. military preparedness. ing for Ford class nuclear powered aircraft carriers st
Don’t get me wrong, military spending is a bene- and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
ph
fit to the U.S. defense industry. It helps keep weap- The budget has $13.9 billion for armored combat
ons assembly lines humming, spurs technology vehicles like the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, ov
insertion and upgrades, bolsters technology inno- Amphibious Combat Vehicle, and Optionally ra
vations that in the future might help U.S. mili- Manned Fighting Vehicle. a
tary capabilities, and gets military leaders thinking It has $37.7 billion for the B-21 next-generation al
outside the box on how to capitalize on commer- bomber program; the second Columbia ballistic
fu
cial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies for future missile submarine; the LGM-35A Sentinel inter-
military use. continental ballistic missile. Missile defense has D
I’m just a little concerned with how the Pentagon $29.8 billion for the Next Generation Interceptor Bu
spending picture stacks up against the increasing for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense; regional
La
danger that the U.S. military faces throughout the missile defense network with Patriot Missiles, a
world. We have Russian jet fighters forcing down Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, addi-
an unmanned U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the tional ShortRange Air Defense Battalions, and
black sea, increasing tension China in the South hypersonic weaponry and defenses. 
2 Military+Aerospace Electronics April 2023 W W W . M I L I T A R Y A E R O S P A C E . C O M
2304MAE.indb 2 3/31/23 12:02 PM

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2304MAE.indb 3 3/31/23 12:02 PM

2203MAE_DiscoverySemiconductors.indd 1 2/11/22 11:39 AM
NEWS
2024 DOD budget would

fund hypersonic missiles,
artificial intelligence
BY John Keller
WASHINGTON – Leaders of the U.S. Department The proposed 2024 for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense; regional
of Defense (DOD) propose spending $842 bil- Pentagon budget would fund missile defense network with Patriot Missiles,
lion next year — an increase of $26 billion from development of hypersonic a Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor,
this year. The proposed 2024 DOD budget munitions such as the one additional ShortRange Air Defense Battalions,
includes spending for air and missile defenses; depicted above, as well as for and hypersonic weaponry and defenses.
hypersonic missiles; artificial intelligence (AI); artificial intelligence (AI) and Funding is included for reconnaissance satel-
unmanned systems; surface warships; and com- machine learning research. lites; the THAAD missile defense system; cyber
bat aircraft. security; and 24 new hypersonic strike missiles.
The budget includes $145 billion for research and devel- Other DOD budget priorities include wideband and narrow-
opment, as well as $170 billion for procurement — including band secure and jam-resistant capabilities; and $300 million for
modernizing U.S. nuclear forces on land, sea, and in the air. the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
The 2024 budget was released last month. Fiscal 2024 begins The DOD research and development budget includes $1.8
next October 1. billion for AI; $1.4 billion for Joint All Domain Command
Inside the budget is $61.1 billion for combat aircraft like the and Control ( JADC2); $17.3 billion for tactical missiles; $7.3
F-22, F-35, F-15EX; the B-21 bomber, KC-46A, and unmanned billion for strategic missiles; and $600 million for technology
aircraft; construction of nine surface warships, as well as contin- development of the Naval Strike Missile, RIM-174 Standard
ued funding for Ford class nuclear powered aircraft carriers and Missile, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Long
Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. Range Anti-Ship Missile, and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff
The budget has $13.9 billion for armored combat vehicles Missile - Extended Range.
like the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, Amphibious Combat The DOD research budget also has $3.7 billion for
Vehicle, and Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle. cyber-secure microgrids with backup power, battery storage,
It has $37.7 billion for the B-21 next-generation bomber and electrical transmission and distribution improvements; as
program; the second Columbia ballistic missile submarine; the well as $271 million for Army to modernize next-generation
LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. Missile combat vehicles with silent watch and mobility, increased oper-
defense has $29.8 billion for the Next Generation Interceptor ational duration and more onboard electrical power. 
2304MAE.indb 4 3/31/23 12:02 PM 2304MA

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3/28/23 12:02 AM
PM
NEWS
Boeing to design future E-7A

radar surveillance aircraft for
combat air traffic control
BY John Keller
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – U.S.

Air Force aerial surveillance experts
are looking to the Boeing Co. to build
the E-7A airborne early warning and
control (AEW&C) radar aircraft to
replace the Air Force fleet of E-3 Sentry
Airborne Warning and Control System
(AWACS) aircraft.
Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle
Management Center at Hanscom Air
Force Base, Mass., announced a poten-
tial $1.2 billion contract in February to
the Boeing Defense, Space & Security
segment in Seattle for the E-7A Rapid
Prototype program. The E-7A is based on the Boeing 737-700ER long-range single-aisle passenger jetliner,
The E-7A will resemble the Australian and will be for simultaneous air and sea search, as well as combat air traffic control.
E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, which is based
on the Boeing 737-700ER long-range single-aisle passenger “The E-7A will be the department’s principal airborne sensor
jetliner, and will be for simultaneous air and sea search, as well for detecting, identifying, tracking, and reporting all airborne activ-
as combat air traffic control. ity to Joint Force commanders,” says Andrew Hunter, assistant sec-
The E-7A will have the multi-role electronically scanned array retary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
(MESA) radar from the Northrop Grumman Corp. Electronic “The E-7A will enable greater airborne battlespace awareness
Systems segment in Linthicum, Md. The surveillance radar will through its precise, real-time air picture and will be able to control
look like a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage. Called top hat, the and direct individual aircraft under a wide range of environmental
radar and is designed for minimal aerodynamic effect, and will and operational conditions,” Hunter said in an Air Force statement.
be able to detect and monitor airborne objects as far away as The Air Force is set to begin E-7A production in 2025, with
400 miles with look-up capability. the first E-7A to be fielded in 2027. Air Force leaders say they
The dorsal-fin-like top hat radar will replace the E-3 Sentry expect to buy 26 E-7As by 2032.
AWACS radar system, which looks like a Frisbee flying disk The E-7A will have a cabin crew of six to ten, with two pilots
mounted to the top of the plane’s fuselage. The old E-3 is based on in the cockpit. The plane will be 100 feet long, with a 117-foot
the Boeing 707 jetliner, which has been in service since the 1950s. wingspan, and weigh 43,720 pounds. It will be 41 feet high,
The E-7A aircraft’s radar antenna will double as an elec- cruise at 530 miles per hour, have a 4,000-mile range, and will
tronic intelligence (ELINT) array, which can monitor RF sig- fly as high as 41,000 feet. 
nals as far away as 500 miles when the plane is flying at 30,000
feet altitude. The E-7A’s radar signal processing and comput- On this contract Boeing will do the work in Seattle, and should be finished by
ers will be installed below the antenna array. The E-7A’s cabin August 2024. For more information contact Boeing Defense, Space & Security
will have eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four online at www.boeing.com/company/about-bds, or the Air Force Life Cycle Man-
more, if and when needed. agement Center at www.aflcmc.af.mil.
2304MAE.indb 6 3/31/23 12:02 PM 2211MA

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10/28/22 PM
1:10 PM
NEWS
Dynalec to design battle-hardened

communications for Constellation-class frigate
BY John Keller
CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. Navy shipboard communications experts In addition, the system will have server and node failover
needed a battle-hardened telephone and announcing system for redundancy in case of a controlling element failure. If any con-
the next-generation Constellation class guided-missile frigate. trolling element fails, all established calls must stay active. Failover
They found their solution from Dynalec Corp. in Sodus, N.Y. capability allow new calls in 30 seconds or less. After failover, all
Officials of the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic interconnections will be available with no increase in blocking.
in Charleston, S.C., announced a $23.9 million five-year con- The announcing system will provide for one-way transmis-
tract to Dynalec to develop and build the Wired Voice Network sion of general orders, information, and alarm signals over loud-
(WVN) for the future Constellation-class frigate. The contract speakers to various locations where personnel are stationed or
has options that could increase its value to $48 million. will normally be located. Such transmissions are made by means
The WVN will be a telephone and announcing system for vital of microphones, alarm activators, and loudspeakers connected
and mission-critical end-to-end communications within the ship. through central controlled amplifiers.
The Constellation-class frigate will replace the Navy’s now-retired
Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates — the last of which, the USS
The reliable and survivable network announcing system will
handle vital and mission-critical interior shipboard communica-
F
Ingraham (FFG 61), was removed from service in 2014. tions with built-in redundancy to eliminate single points of failure.
The WVN will provide point-to-point telephone communi- The Constellation-class frigate will be able to keep up with
cations between various points on the ship, as well as one-way Navy aircraft carriers and will have sensors networked with the
transmission of general orders, information, and alarm signals to rest of the fleet. It normally will be part of Navy strike groups and
various locations aboard the ship where personnel are stationed large surface combatant-led surface action groups, but also will
or normally will be located. be able to operate and defend itself in independent operations.
The shipboard communications systems also will provide Frigates typically are escort vessels that are lighter than
interfaces to other shipboard systems, and to shipboard connec- destroyers, and help defend aircraft carrier battle groups or M
tion points to the Defense Switching Network (DSN) and the merchant convoys from submarine, aircraft, and cruise missile
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). threats. They are intended to operate in the open ocean, unlike
The future USS Constellation will be the lead ship of a class the Navy littoral combat ship, which is designed to operate in
of at least 20 frigates. The hull of the frigate is be based on the coastal waters and harbors.
Italian FREMM-class frigate. The first three ships of the class The new frigates will have a minimum of 32 Mark 41 Vertical
are under contract to Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corp. in Launch System cells aboard for anti-air warfare. The ship will
Marinette, Wis. be designed to destroy surface ships over the horizon; detect
The WVN telephone system will be a reliable and survivable enemy submarines; defend convoy ships; employ active and
network with built-in redundancy to eliminate single points of passive electronic warfare systems; and defend against swarm-
failure caused by battle damage or on-board accidents. ing small boat attacks.
8 Military+Aerospace Electronics April 2023 W W W . M I L I T A R Y A E R O S P A C E . C O M ba
2304MAE.indb 8 3/31/23 12:02 PM 2304MA

NEWS
Dynalec Corp. is designing a rugged, fault-tolerant telephone Congress; and USS Constellation — built between 1797 and
and shipwide announcing system for the future U.S. Navy 1800. Of these original ships, the USS Constitution still is a
Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, shown above. Navy commissioned warship and is based in Boston.
Dynalec designs and builds military-grade systems to with-
Shipboard electronics will include the Lockheed Martin stand the rigors of the military shipboard environment that
COMBATSS-21 combat management system; AN/SPY-6(V)3 involves extremes in shock, vibration, temperature, humidity,
Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR); AN/SPS-73(V)18 and acoustic noise. The company designs equipment racks and
surface search radar; AN/SLQ-61 lightweight towed array sonar; cabinets, subassemblies, or complete systems for shipboard com-
AN/SQS-62 variable-depth sonar; AN/SQQ-89F undersea war- munication, navigation, and switching applications.
fare and anti-submarine warfare combat system; and Cooperative Dynalec specializes in EMI-resistant enclosures and cabinets;
Engagement Capability (CEC). shock- and vibration-proof equipment; fire detection sensors
The Constellation-class frigate will be able to fire RIM-162 and control systems; sound powered telephone systems; ana-
ESSM Block 2 and/or RIM-174 Standard ERAM missiles; log, digital, and IP-based voice systems, terminals, telephones,
RIM-66 Standard SM-2 Block 3C; the Naval Strike Missile; intercoms, and announcing systems; synchro and servo devices;
RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile; Mk 110 57-millimeter gun; and ship control and navigation systems. 
and machine guns. The ship will be able to carry one MH-60R
Seahawk helicopter and the MQ-8C Firescout unmanned helicopter. On this contract Dynalec will do the work in Sodus, N.Y., and Marinette, Wis.,
The Constellation and its first two sister ships, the USS and should be finished by March 2028. For more information contact Dynalec
Congress (FFG 63) and USS Chesapeake (FFG 64) are named Corp. online at www.dynalec.com, Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corp. at
for three of the Navy’s six original frigates — USS Chesapeake; https://fincantierimarinegroup.com, or the Naval Information Warfare Center
USS Constitution; USS President; USS United States; USS Atlantic in Charleston, S.C. at www.niwcatlantic.navy.mil.
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2304MAE.indb 9
2304MAE_BartingtonInstruments.indd 1 3/31/23 11:13
3/27/23 12:02 AM
PM
NEWS
Johns Hopkins collaborates with NASA

to send human heart ‘tissue-on-a-chip’
specimens into space
BY Jamie Whitney
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., - Johns

Hopkins Medicine researchers are collab-
orating with NASA to send human heart
“tissue-on-a-chip” specimens into space as
early as March. The project is designed to
monitor the tissue for changes in heart
muscle cells’ mitochondria and ability to
contract in low-gravity conditions.
The tissue samples will be launched
into space aboard SpaceX CRS-27, a
resupply mission to the International
Space Station, which was slated for lift-
off no earlier than Tuesday, March 14, at
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
To develop the microengineered
human heart tissue-on-a-chip, research-
ers begin with human induced pluripotent
stem cells grown in the laboratory. Such To develop the microengineered human heart tissue-on-a-chip, researchers begin
cells are able to develop into nearly any with human induced pluripotent stem cells grown in the laboratory.
type of cell, and are coaxed biologically to
develop into beating human cardiomyocytes, the muscle cells problems,” says Deok-Ho Kim, professor of biomedical engi-
that make hearts contract. neering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
Groups of cardiomyocytes form tissue that can be strung because many heart cellular changes already detected in space
between two posts, one flexible and one stiff. The flexible post explorers mimic changes linked to heart muscle aging in general.
has an embedded magnet and, when placed over sensors, allows Kim, his previous postdoctoral researcher Jonathan Tsui, and
for collection of information on tissue contraction. The chamber his doctoral student Devin Mair previously sent heart tissue
enclosing the tissue is sealed so that liquid media feeding the into space in March 2020. Those experiments, presented at the
tissue doesn’t float away in space. These tissue chambers are then Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International
loaded into so-called plate habitats with the magnetic sensors Society-Americas 2022 Annual Meeting, showed that micro-
located beneath the tissue. The experimental payload consists of gravity in space changed the cells’ mitochondria and the tissues’
two of these plate habitats, which measure about 7 inches long, ability to contract.
5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. In the new experiments with their microengineered human
Astronauts on board during the mission will also introduce heart tissues-on-a-chip, the scientists will focus on the pro-
three FDA-approved medicines to the samples in efforts to pre- teins activated during tissue inflammation and mitochondrial
vent heart cell changes known or suspected to occur in those dysfunction.
undertaking long-duration spaceflights. The astronauts aboard the space station will also test whether
“It’s possible that what we learn from these experiments any of three medicines can stave off the problems anticipated in
in space could also inform how we treat age-related cardiac space-bound heart cells. 
2304MAE.indb 10 3/31/23 12:02 PM

NEWS
Companies eye RF signal-homing air-to-ground missile a $75.5 million contract to Persistent Systems LLC in New York
Three U.S. defense systems integrators are moving forward on a for the Air Force Regional Operating Picture (ROP) program. Air
project to build a next-generation air-launched RF signal-homing Force experts will deploy the Persistent Systems Infrastructure-based
missile designed to attack missile and rocket launchers, artillery Regional Operation Network (IRON) around remotely located
batteries surface warships, air bases, as well as radar and elec- ICBM fields at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.; Malmstrom Air Force
tronic warfare (EW) transmitters. Officials of the Air Force Base, Mont.; and F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., for enhanced
Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., situational awareness over a 25,000-square-mile area — the largest
announced $18 million six-month contracts to Lockheed Martin mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) Continued on page 13
Corp.; Northrop Grumman Corp.; and
L3Harris Technologies Inc. for phase 1.3
of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW)
program. SiAW is to be an Air Force air-to-
ground weapon designed to hold at risk sur-
face elements of the anti-access/area denial
(A2/AD) environment. Details of SiAW
phase 1.3 are classified. It’s expected that
the SiAW will have radio signal-homing
guidance similar to the U.S. Army Lockheed
Martin long-range Precision Strike Missile
(PrSM), which seeks out enemy RF
energy, but can remain difficult to detect
by not emitting its own radar signal. Initial
SiAW contracts were awarded in 2020 to
the Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and
Fire Control segment in Orlando, Fla.; the
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems seg-
ment in Northridge, Calif.; and the Mustang
Technology subsidiary of L3Harris in
Plano, Texas. The three companies won
$15 million contracts in August 2022 for
SiAW phase 1.2. SiAW will capitalize on
enabling technologies developed for the U.S.
Navy Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided
Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER)
anti-radar missile program.
Persistent Systems to provide

perimeter security network
for ICBM launch security
U.S. Air Force nuclear weapons authorities
are taking the next step in perimeter security
with a new initiative to implement wide-area
networked intrusion detection at three inter-
continental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases
scattered over three U.S. states. Officials of
the Air Force Global Strike Command at
Barksdale Air Force Base, La., announced

2303MAE_VPT_REV.indd 1 2/23/23 8:40 PM
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NEWS
Sacramento Airport deploys facial

biometric boarding for international flights
BY Jamie Whitney
SACRAMENTO, Calif., - The Sacramento Biometric facial recognition matches Protection officer as they approach the
International Airport (SMF) in the digital image of a human face to a departure gate.
Sacramento, Calif., sought a facial biomet- database of faces to authenticate users These travelers must present a valid
ric recognition technology for screening through ID verification services. travel document for inspection by the gate
its international passengers. They found agent and they will be processed consistent
their solution from Amadeus Facial Biometrics in Madrid, Spain. with existing requirements for departure from the United States.
Sacramento Airport officials will deploy the technology at To implement the technology at SMF, the airport’s manage-
select international boarding gates, which will changes the pro- ment will work closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
cess of verifying traveler identities by comparing live photos under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and airlines.
to the traveler’s existing passport or visa photo in secure U.S. The deployment of the biometric screening will be done in
Department of Homeland Security systems. The facial biomet- phases, with the first set of four gates already operational, and
rics process is voluntary for U.S. citizens. the remaining gates to be installed in the future.
Biometric facial recognition matches the digital image of a “Sacramento joins other leading airports in the US that are
human face to a database of faces to authenticate users through harnessing the unique qualities of facial biometric verification
ID verification services. It works by pinpointing and measuring to enhance the passenger experience,” says Betros Wakim, the
facial features from a given image. Amadeus manager of airline operations in the Americas.
The Amadeus Facial Biometrics technology only is for inter- “We are working with a growing number of airports and
national flights, and is to make traveling more convenient for airlines to build biometric identity technology into different
passengers. Biometric screening, Amadeus officials say, will save stages of the airport experience, from check-in to bag drop and
time and reduce stress for travelers, as well as provide a secure also boarding,” Wakim says. “Where possible, we advocate for
touchless departures for identity verification. a cloud approach so different airlines can be easily integrated
Travelers who wish to opt out of the new biometric pro- with an airport’s biometric infrastructure. Biometrics is poised
cess may notify an airline official or a U.S. Customs and Border to be one of the defining aviation trends of 2023.” 
2304MAE.indb 12 3/31/23 12:02 PM

NEWS
Continued from page 11 network in the world. ICBM launch 23 Jan 2023. Now the companies move to the second phase of
facilities typically are located in large sparsely populated areas in the project, which will improve the design, culminating in a trans-
the Great Plains region of the central U.S. The sheer size of these portable implementation and field test. The radio project’s future
areas makes it difficult to track Air Force security teams investi- third phase will further optimize the air interface to demonstrate
gating reports of unauthorized intrusions. The Persistent Systems adaptation to weather and other impairments in a portable pro-
IRON is an easy-to-deploy integrated MANET antenna system on totype implementation. For more information contact CACI
fixed towers and poles to create a permanent Wave Relay MANET International online at www.caci.com, Peraton Labs at www.per-
coverage area. With ROP in place, security personnel on a missile atonlabs.com, or DARPA at www.darpa.mil. 
field now can maintain constant commu-
nications through the towers to an opera-
tions center. Likewise, security personnel at
the operations center can follow the loca-
tions and movements of security forces on
a digital map. Both parties can share critical
tactical mission data seamlessly. For more
information contact Persistent Systems
online at www.persistentsystems.com, or
Air Force Global Strike Command at www.
afgsc.af.mil.
DARPA moves forward with project

for secure radio communications
U.S. military researchers are continuing
work with two U.S. companies to develop
Leaders in Enabling the
secure radio frequency (RF) transmitter
and receiver technologies to enable the Open Warfighter
next generation of secure military tacti-
cal radio communications. Officials of the
Standards with OpenVPX
U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va., have
awarded contracts to Peraton Labs Inc.
in Basking Ridge, N.J., and to CACI
Inc. Federal in Florham Park, N.J., for
the next phase of the Wideband Secure
and Protected Emitter and Receiver
(WiSPER) project. WiSPER seeks to
develop fundamentally disruptive wire-
less air interface transceiver technology to
enable and sustain secure high-bandwidth Get ready for next-gen sensor platforms with chassis,
RF communication links. The WiSPER boards and system management solutions aligned to the
wideband adaptive air interface also will new SOSA™ Technical Standard 1.0 for modular open
mitigate impairment from dynamic harsh systems architectures (MOSA).
and contested environments to maintain a
stable communication link. Peraton won a Performance you can count on
$7.9 million WiSPER phase-two contract
on 25 Jan 2023, and CACI won a $10.6 Elma Electronic Inc. elma.com
million WiSPER phase-two contract on

2211MAE_ElmaElectronic.indd 1 10/31/22 4:44 PM
2304MAE.indb 13 3/31/23 12:02 PM

S P E C IA L R E P O RT
Artificial intelligence's
coming of age
AI can reason, learn, and adapt, and encompasses
capabilities such as machine learning, natural
language processing, and computer vision.
BY Jim Romeo
2304MAE.indb 14 3/31/23 12:02 PM

I
t’s been about a year since the stand-up of the Chief Digital and
Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) in the U.S. Department of
Defense (DOD). Since its genesis, momentum for AI technology
has continued to build.
Military intelligence, once characterized by strategic decision making,
paper maps, table-top exercises, and many legacy systems of hardware and
software is becoming sophisticated and — well, artificial, in a very good
sense. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning pervades nearly
every industry in the world we live in, and boosts innovation and technology
in many ways, military and aviation electronic systems are no exception.
Its adoption, however, must be judiciously approached, paying atten-
tion to the return on investment and its practicality for so many use
cases within military and aerospace environments.
As Hefty Conklin, technical director of department 22 at Raytheon
Intelligence and Space in McKinney, Texas puts it: “AI/ML presents
some game-changing capabilities, its integration can also drive chal-
lenging system requirements — cost, power and processing. It is not a
panacea for every challenge in the contested threat environment. Some
of the current capabilities that have been constructed with limited power
and processing are highly effective for today’s threat environment. We
must use robust systems engineering of any system design to deter-
mine the balance, or where and how much AI/ML, combined with
other approaches, provides the right amount of capability to manage
that set of threats.” Onward and upward, we move.
The steep upward slope of AI

AI is on a steep upward slope in its adoptions and utility to the modern
warfighter across technology platforms in all service branches, as well as
commercial and space aviation systems. Some are in early development,
while others are in mid to late development.
The 2022 National Defense Strategy addresses technology priori-
ties of the U.S. as it works to meet the rapidly evolving domains of war.
That’s prologue to the entire discussion of AI and machine learning
and is part of an overarching new paradigm for quantum computing
as it applies to all out integration of software and hardware that collec-
tively act to enable AI in today’s warfighter. That’s how Austin Leach,
associate director at TechLink in Bozeman, Mont., sees it.
“Central to these priorities are current and long-term investments in
artificial intelligence, autonomy, integrated sensing, and systems, cyber,
ID 1093893802 © shulz | gettyimages.com
and quantum science,” Leach says. “The NDS mentions further that the
DOD has implemented “institutional reforms that integrate our data,
software, and artificial intelligence efforts and speed their delivery to
the warfighter.” Within the field of defense electronics lies short term
need fulfillment for AI driven data and image analysis tools and digital
twinning for mission support and training, mid-term delivery of deci-
sion support capabilities and multi-domain intelligence synthesis, and
long-term realization of a paradigm shift into quantum computing.”
2304MAE.indb 15 3/31/23 12:03 PM

SPECIAL REP ORT
The bigger picture to be immune to various types of attacks, including jamming,

DOD agencies continue to develop cognitive electronic warfare spoofing, and hacking,” Tseng explains.
(EW) solutions, which use AI and machine learning technolo- Conversely, he adds, that as systems become more immune to
gies to modernize and enhance EW capabilities. Many of these attack, there is a need to increase effectiveness of electronic attack
projects have sponsorship from the Defense Advanced Research systems. “We will see the continued advancement of high energy,
Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, directed energy systems RF systems,” he says. “Additionally, we
the Air Force Research Laboratory and the broader defense will see the advancement of weapons systems designed to dis-
community. Roger Hill, a principal with Deloitte & Touche rupt destroy key nodes in electronic infrastructure for commu-
LLP, (Deloitte Defense), and security and justice sector leader nication, position, and timing.”
in Arlington, Va., sees the big picture. Even more specifically, however, he contends that the most
“In today’s world of active electronic beamforming and steer- disruptive technology for improving system level immunity to
ing, software defined radios and other advanced technologies, attack is edge artificial intelligence, and specifically AI pilots
warfighters need EW systems that can help sense, reason, decide that can command and control aircraft with severely or entirely
and act in near real time,” Hill says. “By incorporating AI and degraded communication and GNSS. But the journey towards
machine learning technologies, cognitive electronic warfare capa- AI pilots as conventional practice is in development.
bilities can improve warfighters’ ability to assess a given threat It’s important to capitalize on the autonomy that AI affords,
environment, accurately classify threats, design countermeasures without increasing vulnerability, says E. Egon Rinderer, chief
against each threat and help implement an appropriate response.” technology officer at Shift5 in Arlington, Va. “With fully
AI-enabled autonomy still a distant goal, the current trend
The many faces of AI technology is toward applying cutting-edge “race with” technology that
So, what are some key technology trends? Hang on to your enhances the human in the loop. We use technology to increase
hats for the applications are many and the fruits of adoption observability, lethality, and mission readiness while helping to
are significant. preserve human life,” he explains. “But the dichotomy is that
Ryan Tseng is the CEO and co-founder of Shield AI in San these technologies intended to provide us the edge against an
Diego. The firm develops AI to enable swarms of drones and adversary also serve as a potential point of exploitation to be
aircraft to operate autonomously without GPS, communica- used against us. It’s like the DOD’s adoption of traditional
tions, or a pilot. information technology (IT) at the onset of Information Age
He sees a trend that focuses on immunity, attack, computer and the over-wash of the second Information Age. It’s criti-
power, and vertical integration. “As electronic warfare becomes cal that we apply the lessons learned over the decades in IT
increasingly sophisticated, there is a need for defense electronics environments to OT environments.”
One of the challenges of unfolding this
new IT environment is to build technol-
ogy that is dense. Big things should come
in small packages in today’s modern war-
fare. “We’re focused on improving defense
technologies to be more capable in smaller
packages. We’re designing technologies
to pack more power, bandwidth, sensi-
tivity and processing so they can operate
at the tactical edge,” says Hefty Conklin
of Raytheon. “We’re also developing our
DOD is working with industry in a

wide-scale global experiment that seeks
to employ data, analytics, and AI at scale
to enhance mission goals and objectives.
Source: iStock via Lynx Technologies
2304MAE.indb 16 3/31/23 12:03 PM 2304MA

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3/28/23 12:03 AM
PM
SPECIAL REP ORT
systems to perform multiple functions at the same time, such as Data dependent
radar, communications, and electronic warfare. While this can One shortcoming of leaning on AI and machine learning to
lead to some very complex systems, it also serves to reduce the drive decisions is to employ such robust modeling and learning
number of subsystems, and therefore the total size, weight, and algorithms, as sufficient data is not always available. Data needs
power consumption required, known as SWAP, on a platform.” not only to be available, but robust enough in acceptable formats
so it may be useful for AI to compute.
Boosting warfighter capabilities Bryan Nousain is the head of signal research sec-
As AI and machine learning become ingrained in tion for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in
many defense technologies, they stand to improve Washington. He says that tactical military environments
warfare capabilities with new innovations. The impli- are dynamic and complex and may require the actuation
cations of the many improvements which will proof high-fidelity estimation and decision processes in
vide greater capabilities are significant. the absence of behavioral and/or physics-based models.
Will Keegan, chief technology officer of Lynx “AI and machine learning approaches, such as deep
Software Technologies Inc. in San Jose, Calif., sees neural networks, fill the gap when physics-based models
gains by focusing on AI and machine learning as are not available,” Nousain says. “However, there may
crucial components in technology, as they help Bryan Nousain is not be adequate data for training a deep neural network
make better decisions, using data, for many scenar- head of the signal prior to its deployment. This is driving the develop-
ios. Subsequently, this helps protect human lives. research section at ment of generative models to augment training data
Specifically, he sees two themes: the use of AI the U.S. Naval for supervised and reinforcement learning applications.”
and machine learning during development, and the Research Laboratory One application where generative models are
use of AI and machine learning in deployed systems. in Washington. useful is for automatic target recognition (ATR),
“In regard to AI and machine learning in deploy- Nousain points out. “Generative models for ATR
ment, these systems are becoming so complex, and automation reproduce signal level effects due to the propagation channel
can greatly improve our ability to correctly construct solutions and platform motion (e.g., turbulent conditions in the air or
and validate they are fit for use,” explains Keegan. “In combina- sea). These models are also useful to increase the robustness
tion with model-based system engineering (MBSE) adaptive of algorithms by using multiple modalities as inputs to ATR
and learning algorithms can make quick work of robustness test- algorithms. In electronic warfare (EW), generative models can
ing. We also see machine learning exceeding in the fine-tuning also be used to replicate the behavior of a threat whose behavior
stages of system development and evaluation especially when is unknown and thus allow cognitive EW models to test their
it comes to controlling predictable timing and meeting perfor- robustness to threats that have yet to be encountered.”
mance thresholds. “ It’s not just the quality of data, but also the volume of data
that must be computed. “AI and machine learning eases the bur-
den of the warfighter having to make timely decisions based on
an overwhelming volume of data generated by advanced mul-
timodal sensors,” says Joel Goodman, senior technical staff at
NRL. This includes emerging applications such as providing
decision support for combat identification using both passive
and active sensors onboard surface, sub-surface, airborne, and
spaceborne platforms.
“Unmanned autonomous systems that are powered by AI and
machine learning are receiving significant technical investment,
including developing advanced super swarm drone technology
for command-and-control applications,” NRL’s Goodman says.
“One new and innovative application of AI and machine learn-
Combat aircraft are interacting with drones and ground forces ing is inferring the tactical relevance and/or lethality of platforms
for offense and defense on the next generation battlefield. from RF spectrum transmissions. Making sense of spectrum
Source: iStock via Lynx Technologies emissions is an active area of investigation.”
2304MAE.indb 18 3/31/23 12:03 PM

SPECIAL REP ORT
Data availability is somewhat connected to computing on the vast and deep and stand to elevate the capabilities of technology
edge in scenarios where decisions are split-second and must not platforms to new heights.
be vulnerable to cyber invasion. Kyle Adams is a strategy man- Chris Ciufo is the chief technology officer and chief com-
ager at SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS) in Austin, mercial officer at General Micro Systems (GMS) in Rancho
Texas. He notes that AI deployed at the “edge” is an important Cucamonga, Calif. He foresees great strides in how ven-
technology for warfare. He cites a few general examples where dors combine the need for more AI and machine learning
Edge AI will have an impact. processing power with less size, power, and heat over the
“The first is scenarios where units are operating in a tactical next five years.
environment with limited data availability
and decisions must be made in seconds,”
Dawn Single Slot

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environment. Edge AI can empower the Backplanes
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the necessary tactical speed. In tactical sce-
narios at the Edge, these seemingly minor
advantages have life-and-death conse-
quences and overall mission effectiveness.
With respect to EW, signals intelligence
(SIGINT) is commonly occurring at the
Edge, and AI is a powerful capability to
unlock this data and convert it into a tac-
tical advantage.”
Adams cites a second example that
mixes AI with cyber security at the edge.
“In today’s battlefield, the warfighter and
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2304MAE.indb 19 2101MAE_DawnVme 1 3/31/23

12/1/20 12:03 PM
1:14 PM
SPECIAL REP ORT
“The future battlefield will be won by digital means, so that technology from the commercial sector, but we also expect to
means supporting our troops with clear and comprehensive see defense sharing innovations we’ve developed with commer-
data without squeezing them between racks of computers or cial and other open-source communities.
noisy fans,” Ciufo says. “Smaller conduction-cooled (passive) “Some technologies we see flowing from commercial to defense
AI and machine learning computers are needed to embed AI include use of large language models and explainable AI methods
into/onto less sophisticated systems—the ‘at the edge’ term which aid use of AI in critical commercial and defense use cases
that’s pervasive lately. This seems a given. What’s less obvious? alike, e.g., for medical diagnosis,” says Mauro J. Sanchirico III,
Knowing how AI capabilities can be easily and cheaply added engineering manager at the Lockheed Martin AI Center (LAIC)
to not-so-obvious platforms like mortars, shoulder munitions, in Orlando, Fla. “Finally large architectures comprised of multiple
SATNAV/SATCOM gear, and workhorse platforms like 6x6 AI systems in larger systems-of-systems will be a new frontier for
transport trucks or aged M113 personnel carriers. The promise both commercial and defense research communities.”
of AI and machine learning is so great that all vehicles, weap- Sanchirico adds that as the commercial and defense commu-
ons, processes, and piece of equipment should be considered for nities face these new frontiers together, some technology will
some add-on intelligence.” flow back from the aerospace and defense sector to the com-
Alternatively, Neil Sampson the director of aerospace and mercial. This will be especially true for edge signal processing.
defense for GSI Technology Inc. in Sunnyvale, Calif., believes “As the electromagnetic spectrum continues to crowd with
the greatest leaps may occur in satellites, drones, and unmanned commercial and defense use by communications, radar, and
materiel capabilities in the next three to five years. “Having sat- consumer electronics, the need to remove interference more
ellites be able to do more data processing on-prem increases effectively and adaptively will continue to be a common need,”
capability by transmitting pre-processed information rather says Sanchirico.
than raw data,”Sampson says. “Similarly, drones having auton- “As Lockheed Martin moves toward connecting multiple AI
omous capabilities can increase the operational effectiveness of nodes together in large collaborative networks, reliable sensing
handlers: allowing both increased control of numbers, and bet- and communications will continue to be the key fabric we build
ter attention for hot situations.” on in defense applications, and use of AI to intelligently decon-
Lockheed Martin officials say they expect to see the aerospace flict will be key to doing so reliably. To facilitate these devel-
and defense community continue to leverage state-of-the-art opments, Lockheed Martin expects to see a continued strong
AI is an overarching system that can reason, learn, and adapt, and includes fundamental capabilities such as machine learning,
natural language processing, and computer vision. Source: iStock via Lynx Technologies
2304MAE.indb 20 3/31/23 12:03 PM

SPECIAL REP ORT
demand for AI talent in the aerospace and defense

industry, and career opportunities for those who are
already establishing AI careers in the electromagnetic
spectrum operations (EMSO) community.
“Within the Lockheed Martin AI Center, we’ve
established a Cognitive Signals and Systems team
dedicated to applying AI in EMSO, consisting of
specialists in AI, signal processing, and software engi-
neering, several of whom conceived of and invented
the technologies and applications we’ve mentioned
here,” Sanchirico says.
Staying vigilant of AI applications

The NRL’s Goodman advises keeping a watchful eye Military AI researchers need to find the right places where they can
on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) among other leverage value that can drive a cycle of change. Source: iStock via Lynx Technologies
technologies. Specifically, he says that in the next
three to five years, expect to see a greater reliance on autonomous resistant to adversarial attack and whose decisions are explain-
multi-platform coordinated operation of forwardly deployed able are critical considerations.”
UAVs, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater SGS’s Adams, however, posits that the merits of AI are on
vehicles (UUVs) when engaged in intelligence, surveillance and the cusp of penetrating a wide range of products throughout
reconnaissance (ISR), EW, or time-tactical targeting. the military aviation and electronic landscape. AI is beginning
“There has been some reticence in adopting AI and machine to stand well on its own two feet, helped along by efficiency,
learning given the black-box nature of its operation, so the DOD cost savings, and some uncanny strategic benefits that can’t help
has invested in research to better explain the rationale used by catching the attention of world leaders.
autonomous systems in their decision-making process, especially “With usable AI reaching an inflection point, we will start
when they encounter patterns and/or scenarios that were not a to see every product and operation designed around extracting
part of training,” says Goodman. the benefits that AI will bring,” says SGS’s Adams. “Efficiencies,
In addition to autonomy though, investments will continue in cost savings, resiliency, awareness, decision dominance, confi-
hardware and software to harness data that enhances AI across dence, and speed—-these are crucial components of a successful
different applications. defense industry and a ready and lethal military—AI is poised
“Breakthroughs in areas such as natural language processing to take a far more prominent and entrenched role across the
for text and sequence-to-sequence prediction, such as Explainable entire spectrum of warfare in the middle to late stages of this
AI’s ChatGPT3, have relied on a huge volume of labeled data to decade.”Summarily, AI remains on an upward trajectory. That
train massive AI and machine learning models,” Goodman notes. steep upward slope should proceed for some time. AI is still in
“The DOD generally does not have access to a large corpus early adoption, as the costs and benefits are weighted and mea-
of labeled data, so instead it is investing in techniques that are sured, while its benefits are slowly, but surely, recognized as a
capable of training on datasets captured in the field with incom- boon to our definition of military intelligence in our modern
plete labels,” Goodman continues. world. We have much reason to wait with anticipatory optimism
“It is also expected that specialized hardware, developed under as AI continues to be built out in military technology where,
the CHIPS Act, will deliver AI and machine learning-enabled perhaps, the best is yet to come.
payloads that would otherwise be unable to meet tight SWaP
constraints onboard smaller platforms such as Class 2 UAVs PLATFORM SYSTEMS
and CubeSat-size satellites,” Goodman says. “Finally, some AI
and machine learning architectures — particularly those based More information on AI systems and suppliers is
on a deep learning framework — could be vulnerable to adver- online at https://www.militaryaerospace.com/directory/
sarial exploitation using systems such as generative adversarial platform-systems-subsystems
and diffusion networks. Ensuring that deep learning systems are
2304MAE.indb 21 3/31/23 12:03 PM

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Power electronics
designers strive for high
efficiency, and low SWaP
Trends in power supplies include efficiency, new device materials, rugged
and radiation-hardened packaging, and high-voltage designs.
BY John Keller
E
lectric power control and conditioning for ever-more-pow- be small and lightweight enough to fit into complex electronic
erful and -complex embedded computing processors, architectures, make the right balance of voltage and current, keep
sensors, RF transceivers, and other advanced compo- levels of waste heat down, and capitalize on the latest semicon-
nents poses challenges today that involve size, weight, and power ductor materials for the best efficiencies possible.
consumption (SWaP); efficiency; thermal management; new Systems integrators are looking for power electronics tech-
materials; ruggedized packaging; and the growing influence of nologies that can help them enhance efficiencies to help them
open-systems industry standards. reduce size and weight; meet the guidelines of open-systems
It’s one thing to design microprocessors that are smaller and standards when they’re specified; manage internal heat, accom-
more powerful with each passing year, but it’s quite another to modate advanced materials, and design for harsh environments
design the kinds of DC-DC converters and other power supplies that involve shock, vibration, and temperature extremes in
that can feed these processors just the amount of power they need, next-generation radar, electronic warfare (EW), rugged com-
when they need it. Furthermore, today’s power components must puters, and similar systems.
Shrinking size and weight

Trends in the power electronics market mirror those of many
other segments in the electronics industry: everything’s getting
smaller. This shrinkage of electronic components is fueling
aerospace and defense electronics trends in unmanned vehicles,
surveillance and reconnaissance, avionics, communications, and
many other applications.
“Everything is shrinking in size,” says John Santini, chief
technology officer of Micross Components Inc. in Melville, N.Y.
“Everybody is looking to do point-of-load regulation closer to
the ICs — especially ASICs and processors. It gives you much
better transient response, and you don’t have conductive losses
in the traces, and you save board real estate.”
Some power electronics companies are shrinking device size
by increasing the level of integration of their products. One such
company is Gaia Converter in Bordeaux, France. “We offer a
Power electronics designers like VPT specialize in complete range of products that are 8 millimeters tall for use in
radiation-hardened power devices for demanding space VPX systems where you don’t have a lot of space,” says Christian
environments like geosynchronous orbits. Jonglas, Gaia’s technical support manager.
22 Military+Aerospace Electronics April 2023 W W W . M I L I T A R Y A E R O S P A C E . C O M US
2304MAE.indb 22 3/31/23 12:03 PM 2304MA

TECHNOLO GY FO CUS
“This year we started to efficiency will need new tech-

compress functions into one nologies, but we could see
module,” Jonglas contin- that in the next five years,”
ues. “This is a trend today Jonglas says. “”Integration is
at Gaia Converter to embed difficult for many reasons.
all power functions on one You can get very wide input
device. We are develop- range DC-DC converters
ing the FLHG 60 DC-DC with sustained transient volt-
converter, which includes age, but it is difficult to make
all front-end functions you the choices necessary to get
need to place in front of the the best optimization.”
DC-DC converter.” Another way to reduce
Gaia’s power integra- SWaP is to move to advanced
tion efforts continue. “In materials like gallium nitride
the future we will put a complete Micross offers integrated power control and and silicon carbide, instead of tradi-
power supply in one COTS [com- conditioning devices to help designers avoid power tional silicon MOSFETs. “The size
mercial off-the-shelf ] case,” Jonglas systems made from many discrete components. of a GaN FET, compared to a sil-
says. Gaia’s PSDG 40 — a 40 watt icon MOSFET, is about an eight
power supply — will be introduced later this year, which will times reduction in volume,” says Brian Paul, general manager
be a complete power supply in one COTS module, with four to at Milpower Source Inc. in Belmont, N.H.
five different power outputs, Jonglas says. This product should Couple that reduction in SWaP to the increased perfor-
be compliant with DL 160 and MIL STD 461. mance of GaN and SiC FET. “Designers get the temperature
This trend in power systems integration has been a long time range they need, and we are pushing beyond 800 Watts in a 3U
in coming. “In 2005 we were doing 150 Watts in a half-brick VPX power supply now,” Paul says. “We started building 3U
module, and today it is 500 Watts,” Jonglas explains. “We will VPX power supplies in 2015, and since then we have moved
be at more than one kilowatt in one-half brick, and this should from about 250 Watts to beyond 800 Watts, due to the mate-
be ready very soon.” rials and the innovation of what you can do in that volume. we
Keeping up this trend have its challenges, though. “To build also do discrete component designs, which enables you to stuff
a wide input range of high power with as much as 90 percent more in the same volume.”
VPX & SOSA Aligned Power Products | Custom Low Voltage | Integrated Systems
Engineered Power Conversion

for Harsh Environments
www.rantec.com
[email protected]
USA ALL THE WAY – Owned, operated & manufactured in the USA (805) 596 6000
2304MAE.indb 23
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TECHNOLO GY FO CUS
Designing for power efficiency Open-systems standards

Efficiency in a power supply is the ratio of total like 3U VPX have a growing
output power to input power, expressed in per- influence on embedded power
cent, and represents the amount of the electronics like this embedded
actual power delivered to the com- power module from Rantec.
ponents divided by the electri-
cal power drawn from the Watts — all in the same-sized pack-
supply socket. The bet- age, Clauson says.
ter the efficiency, the New industry-standard power
more power goes to good designs are pushing for higher efficien-
use, and the less power goes to waste heat. cies. “In our VPX VITA 62 power sup-
It’s a primary goal among power supply designers to ply, the standards accommodate 3.3 and
make their devices as efficient as possible. 12 volts, but now they just want more power
“The number-one change that we’ve seen in the past several at only 12 volts,” Clauson says. “For customers
years is efficiency,” says Jeremy Ferrell, director of engineering that simplifiers their design; they don’t have to deal with three
at VPT Inc. in Blacksburg, Va. “People are changing what their different voltages, and can route more power on the backplane
efficiencies are, and are pushing that down to the power con- because they have a higher voltage. There is not as much cur-
verter. Every little bit of power they can save is a big reduction rent flowing through a backplane.”
in weight from solar panels and batteries. Our customers are Increasing voltages “allows the system-level designer to have
demanding more efficiencies.” more power available, and from a power supply perspective he can
Advanced applications like military avionics are helping to get higher system level efficiencies by not using those 3.3 power
drive developments in power electronics. “The technology funda- voltages; the whole push for going in that direction, is doing
mentally is driven by the requirements,” explains Vinay Clauson, things they haven’t been able to do before,
executive vice president of Rantec Power Clauson says. “They can add more and
Systems Inc. in Los Osos, Calif. “On the more capability to these military platforms,
military aerospace side of things, you see a such as computing, radar, and CNI/EW
lot of demand for power in airborne envi- [communications, navigation, identifica-
ronment, and that means increased power tion, and electronic warfare]. Everything is
density — more power in a smaller pack- going to require more power electronics.”
age, lighter, and more efficient. All that is Integration also is the name of game
driven by where the power is going, all the at Micross for enhancing power efficiency.
way down to the devices.” “We are developing solutions for the down-
The demand for efficient power converter — a large centralized architec-
never seems to end. ture — and at developing
“Customers always points of load sitting
want more efficiencies,” next to the processors,”
Clauson says. “Our cus- explains Lass Pedersen,
tomers will do things vice president of the
like drive higher volt- Micross high-rel power
ages; they are looking for solutions segment in San Jose, Calif.
more, and more power at the same voltages. The VPT offers a variety of “With higher voltage, you get better effi-
way to go is to higher voltages to make up for power supplies for space ciency in the whole system,” Pedersen contin-
higher copper loss.” applications, ranging from ues. “The higher voltage drives a need for less
For Rantec and other power electronics low-Earth orbit commercial losses in output stage. As the transmitter is often
designers, the trend is clear. In 3U VPX power satellites to geosynchronous the mission, and the mission always get most of
supplies, for example, in recent years were able communications and the power, so the customer looks at the best effi-
to supply 500 Watts, and that has grown to 750 reconnaissance satellites. ciency he can get.”
2304MAE.indb 24 3/31/23 12:03 PM

TECHNOLO GY FO CUS
New device materials Next-generation DC-DC converter power supplies also

Increasing voltages isn’t the only way to enhance power efficien- should benefit from GaN, which “is being optimized for switch-
cies. Another way is to move beyond traditional silicon-based ing power applications and for next-generation DC-DC con-
metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) verters,” Santini says. “GaN lets you switch efficiently at high
and gallium arsenide (GaAs) to gallium nitride-based FETs or frequencies, and by moving the frequencies up, all the magnetics
to silicon carbide (SiC). “We are using gallium nitride FETs, shrink, and you get better efficiencies.”
which represent a game changer,” says VPT’s Ferrell. “GaN Yet as new technologies come online, systems designers often
can switch a lot faster than silicon. A lot of research is going face a new set of issues. “GaN opens up the box to a new set
into GaN, which is naturally radiation
hardened, produces less losses, and we
can make it smaller.”
GaN represents a major trend for many
power electronics applications. “At VPT
we think GaN is the future as far as perfor-
mance is concerned. There always will be
a place for MOSFETs. We have spent the
past eight years to make sure the circuits
work reliably. There is a learning curve,
and we are over that learning curve, but
there is a pretty large boundary to enter
that market.”
Silicon carbide also is making inroads
to power electronics technologies. “We see
a lot of use of silicon carbide and gallium
nitride to drive efficiencies,” says VPT’s
Clauson. “These new ICs support addition
efficiencies, and smaller dies.”
Sometimes the application helps deter-
mine the choice of materials for power
electronics devices. “Already now gallium
arsenide is a niche for lower frequencies,
while GaN is more popular for higher
frequencies,” says Pedersen of Micross.
“Most likely GaAs will remain for niche
applications.”
The move to GaN should be a major
boost to the power electronics industry,
says adds Santini of Micross. The move
to GaN also has helped the power con-
version industry because now the buzz
word in power conversion is to go to GaN
and to silicon carbide. Those new tech-
nologies allow smaller and more efficient
devices. GaN is really doing that on the
low-voltage devices of less than 100 volts,
and for devices of more than 100 volts sil-
icon carbide is more popular.”
W W W . M I L I TA R YA E R O S PA C E . C O M
2304MAE.indb 25 2304MAE_GaiaConverter.indd 1 3/31/23

3/27/23 12:03
11:01 PM
AM
TECHNOLO GY FO CUS
of tradeoffs,” Santini says. “It decreases Rantec specializes in custom-design

switching losses, and they allow the mag- power supplies for use in extremely
netics and capacitors to shrink as well, harsh aerospace, defense and orbital
which drives smaller package sizes.” space applications.
Flexibility in design is another advan-
tage of switching to new materials like We see processors all over the place, and
GaN and SiC. We have implemented GaN you need low-voltage high-current solu-
FETs, and use a lot of silicon carbide,” says tion that sits next to the processor, and
Milpower Source’s Paul. “Silicon carbide is the downconverter that provides small
good at some of the higher voltages, and GaN points of load with a certain voltage. We
can give you advantages in the lower voltages.” are developing solutions for the downconverter,
a large centralized architecture, and at developing points of
Power electronics applications load sitting next to the processors.
There are many aerospace and defense applications that are The second trend involves RF and microwave communica-
helping to push power electronics technologies forward. “At the tions. “We are seeing increased bandwidth for communications,”
end of the day the power electronics is driven by the applica- Pedersen continues. “One way to get that is apply higher fre-
tion,” points out Pedersen of Micross. “We do power because it quencies in your communications systems, and there gallium
is needed for different applications; wherever the applications nitride pushes things to higher frequencies. GaN is coming
are going, the power goes with them.” into the market as preferred technology. Pushing a need for
Pedersen says he sees four major trends driving developments instead of gallium arsenide transmitters that operate in 6 to
in power electronics. “One is the increased need for processors. 10 volts, but GaN transmitters are operating at 30 to 50 volts.”
PWR is an industry leader in the design, simulation, development and manufacture of advanced cooling systems and components. Liquid flow
through cold plates for electronics cooling is a key area where PWR continues to develop innovative manufacturing solutions using CAB brazing,
vacuum brazing, and additive manufacturing methods, scaling from prototypes to high volume production. PWR has experience with VITA 48
advanced cooling solutions as well as bespoke designs for power electronics, high-performance computing, battery and avionics cooling applications,
utilizing a wide range of cooling fluids.
PWR global facilities in the USA, Australia and the UK have accreditations for AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and NADCAP. PWR is ITAR registered
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PWR collaborates with customers to optimize performance, size, weight, and flow characteristics of the various solutions and has the necessary
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www.pwr.com.au [email protected] Australia North America Europe ENGINEERING THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
2304MAE.indb 26
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4:15 PM 2304MA
TECHNOLO GY FO CUS
Other applications driving power electronics technology

forward include unmanned vehicles with multisensor payloads,
says Gaia’s Jonglas. “You need power for all electronics inside
— cameras, sensors, all the systems of different voltages and
power.” Echoes VPT’s Ferrell, “Target applications are any kind
of transmitter, many with high-voltage output, but in any geo-
synchronous satellite.”
Vast increases in the use of microprocessors in aerospace and
defense systems across the board is a huge driver in power elec-
Gaia Converter specializes in integrated systems and commercial tronics innovation, says Milpower Source’s Paul. “The amount
off-the-shelf (COTS) components to produce power supplies that of data they are crunching requires more and more power,” he
are rugged and affordable. says.More information on data storage manufacturers and sup-
pliers is online at https://www.militaryaerospace.com/directory/
The third trend involves moving to higher voltages. “Higher components-power-electronics-sensors. 
voltage gets you better efficiency in the whole system,” he says.
“The higher voltage drives a need for less losses in output stage. MORE INFORMATION
The transmitter is often the mission, and the mission always gets
most of the power, so the customer looks at the best efficiency More information on data storage manufacturers and
he can get.” The fourth trend involves applications in orbiting suppliers is online at https://www.militaryaerospace.com/
satellites, which requires some level of radiation hardness or directory/ components-power-electronics-sensors.
radiation tolerance in power devices.
Sea, Air, Space
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ow environment applications. Omnetics designers have the necessary experience

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4:15 PM 2304MAE.indb 27
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3/28/23 12:03 PM
9:49 AM
RF & MICROWAVE
Northrop Grumman to
provide 42 AESA radar
systems for F-16 fighters in
$99.4 million order
BY John Keller
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio – U.S. Air Force The bandwidth, speed, avionics for the F-16 modernization and
aerial warfare experts are ordering additional and agility of AESA radars update programs of the U.S. Air Force and
modern active electronically scanned array enable legacy fighter aircraft Taiwan air force.
(AESA) radar for F-16 jet fighter aircraft under like the F-16 to detect, track, The bandwidth, speed, and agility of AESA
terms of an $99.4 million order. and identify many targets radars enable legacy fighter aircraft like the F-16
Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle quickly and at long ranges. to detect, track, and identify many targets quickly
Management Center, Fighter Bomber Directorate, and at long ranges, and to operate in hostile
F-16 Division, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are ask- electronic warfare (EW) environments.
ing the Northrop Grumman Corp. Mission Systems segment in Northrop Grumman is building APG-83 radar systems for
Linthicum Heights, Md., for 42 production radars and spare parts. global F-16 upgrades and new aircraft production, as well as
The APG-83 AESA fire-control scalable agile-beam radar for the U.S. Air National Guard. Northrop Grumman also has
(SABR) integrates within the F-16’s structural, power, and cool- installed a production APG-83 SABR on a U.S. Marine Corps
ing constraints without Group A aircraft modification, Northrop F/A-18C Hornet jet fighters, company officials say. 
Grumman officials say. The company leverages technology devel-
oped for the APG-77 and APG-81 radar systems on the U.S. On this order Northrop Grumman will do the work in Linthicum Heights, Md.,
F-22 and F-35 combat aircraft. and should be finished by July 2025. For more information contact Northrop
In a 2013 competition, Lockheed Martin Corp., the F-16 Grumman Mission Systems online at www.northropgrumman.com, or the Air
manufacturer, selected the APG-83 as the AESA radar Force Life Cycle Management Center at www.aflcmc.af.mil.
2304MAE.indb 28 3/31/23 12:03 PM

RF & MICROWAVE
Raytheon taps North Atlantic for

communications for LTAMDS
missile-defense radar
BY John Keller
ANDOVER, Mass. – Missile-defense experts Massafra, vice president of sales and mar-
at Raytheon Technologies Corp. needed keting at North Atlantic.
high-density I/O, communications, The SIU35 uses the NXP PowerPC QorIQ
Ethernet switching, and embedded com- P2041, Intel Core i7, and ARM Cortex-A9
puting capability for the Lower Tier Air and microprocessors; meets MIL-STD-461F,
Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). They MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-1275, and
found their solution from North Atlantic MIL-STD-704A standards for high reliabil-
Industries Inc. in Bohemia, N.Y. The North Atlantic SIU35 3U ity; has a 28-volt DC input, and measures 7.13
Officials of the Raytheon Missiles & CompactPCI sensor interface unit is by 4.78 by 8.71 inches.
Defense segment in Andover, Mass., are being integrated into the Raytheon The I/O subsystem offers software support
choosing the North Atlantic SIU35 3U for the Raytheon Lower Tier Air and that includes Wind River Linux and VxWorks,
CompactPCI sensor interface unit for the Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). Xilinx PetaLinux, and Windows Embedded
LTAMDS, which is to replace the U.S. Army Standard 7 OS support; offers built-in test,
Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) and operates in temperatures from -40 to 71 degrees Celsius.
missile system. LTAMDS consists of a primary antenna array on the front
LTAMDS is the next generation, 360-degree missile-defense of the radar, and two secondary arrays on the rear. The radar
radar that ultimately will replace the current U.S. Army’s antennas work together to enable operators to detect and engage
PATRIOT missile radars. The radar has gallium nitride com- several threats simultaneously from any direction, ensuring there
ponents, and was scheduled to reach initial operational capabil- are no blind spots on the battlefield.
ity with the Army in 2022. The LTAMDS primary array is roughly the same size as the
The North Atlantic SIU35 is a configurable rugged subsystem PATRIOT radar array, but provides more than twice PATRIOT’s
with five 3U CompactPCI slots, and accommodates as many as 15 performance. While it is designed for the U.S. Army’s Integrated
I/O and communications modules. the SIU35 supports stand-alone Air and Missile Defense system, LTAMDS will also be able to
operation via Ethernet connection to mission computers. preserve previous PATRIOT investments.
For LTAMDS, Raytheon is taking advantage of the flexibility Raytheon is working with hundreds of suppliers across 42
and modularity of North Atlantic’s Configurable Open System states. In addition to North Atlantic, Raytheon LTAMDS sup-
Architecture (COSA) to consolidate several interface functions pliers include Orolia USA in Rochester, N.Y., which is providing
into two off-the-shelf chassis. the company’s rugged SecureSync time and frequency system
To meet platform requirements, Raytheon configured the pair to supply positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabil-
of North Atlantic SIU35 rugged boxes to serve as a program- ity; and Crane Aerospace and Electronics in Lynnwood, Wash.,
mable logic controller and a cooling system controller aboard which is providing defense power systems for power control and
the next generation GhostEye radar system. conditioning for LTAMDS. Mercury Systems Inc. in Andover,
Raytheon designers sought to improve efficiencies in LTAMDS Mass., is providing high-performance digital signal processing
size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) by combining many and RF solutions for LTAMDS. 
channels and dissimilar functions into dense multi-purpose solu-
tions. LTAMDS relies on Ethernet-based communications to For more information contact North Atlantic Industries online at www.naii.
monitor, manage, and control several I/O and communications com/model/SIU35, or Raytheon Missiles & Defense at www.raytheonmissile-
interfaces without the need for custom electronics, says Lino sanddefense.com.
2304MAE.indb 29 3/31/23 12:03 PM

RF & MICROWAVE
InDyne to maintain and upgrade early

warning radar for ballistic missile defense
BY John Keller
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Air Force needed a The PARCS ballistic missile defense radar monitors and
company to operate, maintain, and upgrade a ground-based early tracks more than half of all Earth-orbiting objects with its AN/
warning radar system to help protect the U.S. and its allies from FPQ-16 phased-array radar system pointed northward over
enemy ballistic missile attack. They found their solution from Hudson Bay, and analyzes more than 20,000 tracks per day,
InDyne Inc. in Lexington Park, Md. from giant satellites to space debris.
Officials of the Space Acquisition, and Integration Office The PARCS signal processing group (SPG) consists of 10
of the Space Force’s Space Operations Command at Peterson cabinets of equipment with hundreds of unique parts. The SPG
Space Force Base, Colo., have announced a $63 million contract generates frequency-modulated pulses for transmission, spectrum
to InDyne for the operations and maintenance support of the inversion, and pulse compression; performs side lobe reduction;
Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System as well as compares and processes track signals, multiplexing,
(PARCS) mission system. and signal conversion.
PARCS is a large radar installation that provides ballistic Extensive alignment and maintenance are necessary to main-
missile warning and attack assessment, as well as space surveil- tain proper signal reception and analog digital conversion of the
lance data to the North American Aerospace Defense Command radar system, experts say.
(NORAD) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., as well as to PARCS is a sister ballistic-missile-defense system to the
USSTRATCOM and regional combatant commanders. Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning
System (PAVE PAWS), and the Ballistic
Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS).
PAVE PAWS is a ground-based
radar system that provides U.S. Strategic
Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt
Space Force Base near Omaha, Neb., with
warning and attack-assessment infor-
mation on all intercontinental ballistic
missiles (ICBMs) launched through-
out the world that might be headed for
U.S. territory.
BMEWS, meanwhile, is a ground-
based radar system that helps warn
In
USSTRATCOM and NATO authori-
ties of submarine- and sea-launched bal-
listic missile (SLBM) attacks and provides
data to help evaluate the severity of bal-
listic missile attacks. 
On this contract InDyne will do the work at Cavalier —

Space Force Station, N.D., and should be finished by —
U.S. Space Force is choosing InDyne Inc. in Lexington Park, Md., to operate, August 2029. For more information contact InDyne
maintain, and upgrade the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization online at www.indyneinc.com, or Space Force Space —
System (PARCS) ground-based early warning missile-defense radar system. Operations Command at www.spoc.spaceforce.mil. —
2304MAE.indb 30 3/31/23 12:03 PM 2304MA

RF & MICROWAVE
Lockheed Martin eyes inertial navigation html, or the Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal at
and radar guidance for PAC-3 missiles https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-rsa/.
Air- and missile-defense experts at Lockheed Martin Corp. will
provide hardware, manufacturing, and testing to produce MIM-104 Northrop Grumman to build 42 AN/APG-
Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles under terms 83 AESA jet fighter radar systems
of a $273 million order. Officials of the U.S. Army Contracting U.S. Air Force aerial radar experts are ordering 42 modern active elec-
Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., are asking the Lockheed tronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems for Air Force F-16 jet
Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Grand Prairie, Texas, fighters under terms of a $99.4 million order. Officials of the Air Force
to provide services, hardware, facilities, equipment, and all tech- Life Cycle Management Center, Fighter Bomber Directorate, F-16
nical, planning, management, manufacturing, and testing efforts Division, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are asking the
to produce PAC-3 missiles. Patriot PAC-3 is a hit-to-kill missile Northrop Grumman Corp. Mission Systems segment in Linthicum
designed to defeat tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and air- Heights, Md., to build 42 AN/APG-83 AESA radar systems and
craft. It is a high- to medium-altitude long-range air-defense missile spare parts for the F-16. The APG-83 AESA fire-control scalable
that defends ground combat forces and high-value military equip- agile-beam radar (SABR) integrates within the F-16’s structural,
ment. The PAC-3 missile is a high velocity interceptor that defeats power, and cooling constraints without Group A aircraft modification,
incoming targets by body-to-body direct impact. PAC-3 missiles, Northrop Grumman officials say. The company capitalizes on tech-
when deployed in a Patriot battery, provide 16 PAC-3s on a Patriot nology developed for the APG-77 and APG-81 radar systems on the
launcher. Lockheed Martin also handles the PAC-3 missile seg- U.S. F-22 and F-35 combat aircraft. In a 2013 competition, Lockheed
ment upgrade, which consists of the PAC-3 missile, PAC-3 missile Martin Corp., the F-16 manufacturer, selected the APG-83 as the
canisters in four packs, a fire solution computer, and an Enhanced AESA radar for the F-16 modernization and update programs of
Launcher Electronics System. The missile flies to an intercept the U.S. Air Force and Taiwan air force. The bandwidth, speed, and
point specified prior to launch by its ground-based fire solution agility of AESA radar systems enable legacy fighter aircraft like the
computer, which is embedded in the system’s engagement control F-16 to detect, track, and identify many targets quickly and at long
station. The PAC-3 system can update target trajectory data during ranges, and to operate in hostile electronic warfare (EW) environ-
missile flyout with a radio frequency uplink and downlink. On this ments. Northrop Grumman is building APG-83 radar systems for
order Lockheed Martin will do the work in Dallas, and should be global F-16 upgrades and new aircraft production, as well as for the
finished by January 2023. For more information contact Lockheed U.S. Air National Guard. Northrop Grumman also has installed
Martin Missiles and Fire Control online at www.lockheedmartin. a production APG-83 SABR on a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C
com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/missiles-and-fire-control. Hornet jet fighter-bomber, company officials say. 
Introducing
— Speeds up to 25Gbps — Tested & qualified based on MIL-DTL-83513

performance requirements
— 4 points-of-contact
— Discrete wire, SMPM RF, & Twinax cable variations
— High-density, configurable in 1-5 bays
— Interchangeable molded signal &

SMPM RF insulator bays
a i r b o r n . c o m
2304MAE.indb 31
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3/6/23 12:03 PM
9:28 PM
RF & MICROWAVE
General Dynamics to upgrade SIGINT

sensors to keep up with evolving threats
BY John Keller
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Military signals intelligence The Prophet system is vehicle-mounted or soldier-transportable,
(SIGINT) experts at General Dynamics Corp. will maintain and and offers a near-real-time picture of the battlespace through
upgrade combat vehicle SIGINT vetronics system to detect, identify, SIGINT sensors and high-performance computing.
locate and deter a wide range of signal emissions on the battlefield.
Officials of the U.S. Army Contracting Command at (COP), and is integrated with battlefield sensors such as the
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., announced $481.6 million Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System ( Joint STARS),
contract to the General Dynamics Mission Systems segment in the Guardrail Common Sensor, Artillery Counter Mortar/
Scottsdale, Ariz., to sustain the AN/MLQ-44 Prophet-Enhanced Battery radars, and Forward Area Air Defense Command and
SIGINT vetronics systems. Control/FAADC2.
General Dynamics also will continue development and integra- Prophet’s primary mission is to map radio frequency (RF)
tion of technology insertion capabilities for the Prophet-Enhanced emitters on the battlefield electronically from 20 MHz HF fre-
system to keep the systems up to date against an evolving threat. quencies to 2000 MHz SHF frequencies.
The Prophet system is vehicle-mounted or soldier-transportable. Electronic mapping detects, identifies, locates, and tracks all
Prophet offers a near-real-time picture of the battlespace through RF emitters operating within range, and helps coordinate these
SIGINT sensors and high-performance computing. RF signatures with other battlefield surveillance and reconnais-
The program is structured with the ability to incorporate sance systems.
new technologies as they become available. For example General Prophet helps protect Global Positioning System (GPS) sat-
Dynamics has used the RS112 1U rugged server from Crystal ellite navigation, helps detect intrusion or false GPS signals, and
Group Inc. in Hiawatha, Iowa. helps attack the enemy’s ability to use the GPS or other satel-
Prophet is the Army division and armored cavalry regiment lite navigation and timing systems. The system also can inter-
commander’s principal SIGINT and electronic warfare (EW) cept, disrupt, or eavesdrop on enemy radio communications. 
system. It also enhances the tactical commander’s capabilities
in electronic intelligence battlespace visualization, target devel- On this contract General Dynamics will do the work at locations to be deter-
opment, and force protection. Prophet offers electronic attack mined with each order, and should be finished by January 2028. For more
and navigation attack capability. information contact General Dynamics Mission Systems online at https://
The Prophet system also provides near-real-time digital gdmissionsystems.com, or the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Prov-
information to the Army division’s common operating picture ing Ground at https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-apg.
2304MAE.indb 32 3/31/23 12:03 PM

RF & MICROWAVE
Lockheed Martin eyes EW aboard helicopters

to defend against anti-ship missiles
BY John Keller
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. – U.S. Navy surface war-

fare and missile defense experts are ask-
ing Lockheed Martin Corp. for help in
building and fielding helicopter-based
long-range electronic warfare (EW )
systems to protect Navy surface ships
from existing and future advanced
anti-ship missiles.
Officials of the Naval Sea Systems
Command in Washington announced
a $14.8 million order to the Lockheed
Martin Rotary and Mission Systems seg-
ment in Liverpool, N.Y., for systems engi-
neering for the AN/ALQ-248 Advanced
Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW)
Active Mission Payload (AMP) system for
the MH-60R and MH-60S ship-based
maritime helicopters. Lockheed Martin
will deliver two AOEW AN/ALQ-249
pods with spares and support. AOEW will provide electronic countermeasures against anti-ship missiles with an EW
AOEW will provide long-endurance, active mission payload for the MH-60R and MH-60S ship-based maritime helicopters.
off-board electronic countermeasures
against current and future anti-ship missiles with a long-duration Although initial AOEW prototypes are to be installed on
EW active mission payload for the MH-60R and MH-60S MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters, future deployable versions
ship-based maritime helicopters. may be intended for long-range, long-endurance fixed-wing or
The AOEW AMP AN/ALQ-248 can work independently helicopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), experts say.
or together with the ship’s onboard AN/SLQ-32(V)6 Surface Lockheed Martin will develop a modular open-systems archi-
Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 to tecture (MOSA) to enable the EW payload to adapt to evolving
detect an incoming missile and then evaluate where it is going, threats, hasten deployment, reduce development time and costs,
Lockheed Martin officials say. AOEW then uses radio frequency and facilitate future system upgrades and technology insertion.
countermeasure techniques to deter the missile. The AOEW program capitalizes on Lockheed Martin exper-
One of the goals of the AOEW program is to detect and tise across the corporation. The Lockheed Martin facility in
counter threats to provide enterprise electronic warfare to Owego, N.Y., will integrate the system onto the MH-60 heli-
protect for the Navy Fleet. Lockheed Martin won the indus- copters, which are built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin com-
try competition to develop and build the AOEW system pany in Stratford, Conn. 
in early 2016.
Lockheed Martin won a $17.8 million order in October On this order Lockheed Martin will do the work in Syracuse, N.Y., and should
2021 to build low-rate initial production units of AOEW AMP be finished by November 2023. For more information contact Lockheed Martin
system. The company was asked to deliver two AOEW AN/ Rotary and Mission Systems online at www.lockheedmartin.com, or Naval Sea
ALQ-249 pods with spares and support. Systems Command at www.navsea.navy.mil.
2304MAE.indb 33 3/31/23 12:03 PM

UNMANNED VEHICLES
Penn State to develop

enabling technologies
in unmanned
undersea vehicles
BY John Keller
WASHINGTON – U.S. Navy undersea warfare experts have awarded Penn State researchers will investigate guidance,
contracts collectively worth more than $1.8 billion to Penn State navigation, propulsion, and materials for future unmanned
University to investigate guidance, navigation, propulsion, and underwater vehicles (UUVs) for a variety of reconnaissance and
materials for future unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for attack missions.
a variety of reconnaissance and attack missions.
Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington • materials technology and manufacturing technology for naval
announced a $735 million order in December to the Applied systems and components;
Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University (ARL/ • atmosphere and defense communications systems research; and
PSU) in University Park, Pa., for UUV work throughout the U.S. • mission- and public service-related research, technology devel-
Department of Defense (DOD). opments, test evaluation, and systems analysis. This work is
That order for unmanned undersea enabling technologies is to help provide a quick response to rapidly evolving DOD
on top of a $1.1 billion 10-year contract announced in February and other government agency requirements. 
2018 for the same kinds of work, which involves:
• guidance, navigation, and control of undersea systems; Work on these contract and order awards will be in University Park, Pa.,
• advanced thermal propulsion concepts and systems for under- and should be finished by February 2028. For more information contact the
sea vehicles; Penn State Applied Research Lab online at www.esm.psu.edu/research/
• advanced propulsors and other fluid machinery for centers-and-institutes/applied-research-lab.aspx, or Naval Sea Systems Com-
marine systems; mand at www.navsea.navy.mil.
2304MAE.indb 34 3/31/23 12:03 PM

UNMANNED VEHICLES
Army asks industry for robotic manipulator

arms for unmanned bomb disposal
BY John Keller
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – U.S. Army bomb disposal experts • weight of no more than 60 pounds;
are reaching out to industry to find companies able to design • lift capability of at least 55 pounds with one manipulator, and
a robotic manipulator arm to help explosive ordnance disposal at least 65 pounds with more than one manipulator;
(EOD) experts detect, identify, disable, and dispose of chem- • full extension lift capability of at least 30 pounds with one
ical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) explosives. manipulator, and at least 50 pounds with more than one
Officials of the Army Contracting Command - New Jersey manipulator at full extension;
Close Combat, on behalf of the Army Program Manager for • dexterity sufficient to manipulate small wires, zipper fasten-
Close Combat Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., have issued ers, screws, door handles, push buttons, and similar objects;
a request for information (W15QKN-23-Z-0U7W) for the • ability to manipulate large bombs and artillery shells like
Highly Dexterous Manipulation-Robotic Arms project. 155-millimeter artillery projectiles; and
This project seeks to gain information on mature enabling tech- • have a multi-shot disruptor tool that provides accurate and
nologies available for designing robotic arms with dexterous fin- precise liquid and solid-shot explosive hazard disruption.
gers with near-human flexibility and greater-than-human strength.
These robotic arms should be able to grasp an object with an The robotic manipulator arm should be:
end-effector and manipulate it with another end-effector with • compatible with Army percussion actuated non-electric (PAN)
intuitive systems controllers that include force feedback and haptic disruptor ammunition;
feedback. Information from this notice will help the Army shape • capable of remotely loading and unloading multiple disrup-
future requirements and acquisition programs for robotic payloads. tor ammunition and projectile options in most orientations;
• able to aim the disruptor; and
Concerning technologies for the manipulator arms, • accurate enough to hit a 9-volt battery from 30 feet away.
Army researchers want information about: The program’s precision aiming manipulator should be capa-
• six degrees-of-freedom to include shoulder roll and pitch, ble of fine adjustments for positioning and aiming the multi-shot
elbow roll and pitch, and wrist roll and pitch per manipulator; disruptor, and should be able to perform post disruption proce-
• forward reach of at least 50 inches, an upward reach of at least dures of explosive hazards.
36 inches, and downward reach of at least six inches below The robotic manipulator arm should have a maximum
the platform’s ground plane; aiming resolution pan and tilt movement of 0.625 inches
horizontally and vertically at 10 feet of aiming resolution;
forward reach of at least 55 inches; weigh no more than 69
pounds; be able to lift at least 65 pounds; be able to lift at
least 12 pounds at full extension; and be able to go 300 shots
before maintenance.
Video should provide operators with situational awareness
around the robotic platform as well as close-up views of manip-
ulated items. The arm should be able to work in a chemical, bio-
logical, and radiological environment. 
Companies interested were asked to respond by March to the Army’s Yolie

The Army is surveying industry for information about manipulator Marie Davila at [email protected] and Carolina Ayala at caro-
arms for unmanned vehicles that disarm roadside bombs and [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/
other explosives. opp/5af691db075449348e7d0bade71a2c1e/view.
2304MAE.indb 35 3/31/23 12:03 PM

UNMANNED VEHICLES
Kratos moves to
full-rate production of
BQM-177A unmanned
target drones
BY John Keller
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – High-performance target drones The BQM-177A is the Navy’s next-generation subsonic aerial
experts at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. are mov- target (SSAT), which is designed to mimic the behaviors and
ing on to full-rate production of a new subsonic aerial target radar cross sections of sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missiles.
designed to help Navy aircraft and surface warship crews learn
to defeat enemy cruise missiles. Capable of speeds in excess of 0.95 Mach and a sea-skimming
Officials of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent altitude as low as 10 feet above the surface of the water, the
River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a $49.6 million con- BQM-177A carries internal and external payloads including
tract in late January to the Kratos Unmanned Systems segment proximity scoring, identification friend or foe (IFF), passive
in Sacramento, Calif. (formerly Composite Engineering Inc.), and active RF augmentation, electronic countermeasures, infra-
for 55 full-rate-production lot-4 BQM-177A surface-launched red plume pods, chaff and flare dispensers, and towed targets.
aerial targets. The BQM-177A is based on the Kratos BQM-167X aircraft,
The BQM-177A is the Navy’s next-generation subsonic aerial a derivative of the U.S. Air Force BQM-167A Skeeter target.
target (SSAT), which is designed to mimic the behaviors and The BQM-177A introduces a new fuselage with area ruling,
radar cross sections of dynamic, high-subsonic, sea-skimming high-mounted wings, and an internally integrated MicroTurbo
anti-ship cruise missiles to help naval personnel practice air-to- TR-60-5+ turbo jet engine for reduced transonic drag.
air engagements. The BQM-177A will augment and later replace existing
The contract includes 55 rocket-assisted takeoff attachment BQM-74E aerial targets, and will deliver longer range, lower cruise
kits, 277 mission kits, and data for the U.S. Navy and the mili- altitudes, and greater maneuverability than previous-generation
taries of Canada and Australia. target drones.
The BQM-177A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program The BQM-177A is 17 feet long, has a 7 -foot wingspan,
is designed to meet the U.S. Navy’s requirements for a high and weighs 620 pounds with fuel or payloads. It can fly at alti-
fidelity target to replicate subsonic anti-cruise missile threats tudes as low as 6.6 feet above the ground or water, and as high
in direct support of fleet training and weapon system testing as 40,000 feet above sea level. 
and evaluation.
In November 2016 Kratos Unmanned Systems officials On this contract Kratos will do the work Sacramento, Santa Ana, Concord, and
announced they had achieved the final development pro- Chatsworth, Calif.; Dallas; Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Blacksburg, Va.; Newton,
gram milestone for the BQM-177A target drone leading up Kan.; and Milwaukie, Ore., and should be finished by April 2024. For more infor-
to low-rate initial production (LRIP). In June 2018 Kratos mation contact Kratos Unmanned Systems online at https://www.kratosde-
began LRIP on the BQM-177A with a Navy order for 45 of fense.com/about/divisions/unmanned-systems, or Naval Air Systems Command
the high-performance target drones. at www.navair.navy.mil.
2304MAE.indb 36 3/31/23 12:03 PM 2304MA

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2304MAE.indb 37 1
2304MAE_IMS.indd 3/31/23
3/24/23 12:03 PM
1:25 PM
UNMANNED VEHICLES
Howard University to establish research

center for applications in machine autonomy
BY John Keller
ARLINGTON, Va. – U.S. Air Force researchers are asking Howard faculty and researchers; increase the quality and quantity of job
University, a historically black college in Washington, to establish candidates military machine autonomy; and support an ecosys-
a state-of-the-art facility to perform tactical machine autonomy tem of business and government partnerships to move auton-
research for future military applications. omous technologies to weapon systems such as manned and
Officials of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in unmanned platforms.
Arlington, Va., announced a $90 million contract to Howard For decades, Congress has recognized the need to develop a
University to establish a Historically Black Colleges and diverse national science, technology, engineering, and mathemat-
Universities-led University Affiliated Research Center con- ics (STEM) workforce. As the largest federal research funding
sortium to execute research in tactical autonomy that will help agency and the largest employer of federal STEM profession-
move research into practical applications. als, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) plays an essen-
Howard will form and lead a consortium of historically black tial role in the U.S. science and technology ecosystem and can
colleges with engineering and technology capabilities essential to expand opportunities to diversify the STEM workforce, Air
military tactical autonomy research. Force researchers say.
Toward this goal, Howard will establish a state-of-the-art The Howard-led machine autonomy research consortium
research facility; assemble a world-leading team of autonomy will focus on trust in mission autonomy; collaboration between
platforms; and human-machine teaming.
Goals include fostering creative auton-
omy research in science and engineer-
ing; enhancing early career development
of outstanding STEM professionals to
increase and diversify the pool of STEM
talent; and increasing opportunities for
universities to work with the Air Force,
Space Force and DOD in science and
engineering.
Howard University will establish spe-
cialized facilities for autonomy research
in enhancement of multi-domain situa-
tional awareness; reduction of cognitive
workload; enabling force protection; and
projecting solutions at-scale and in general
for decision aids, cyber security, and teams
of humans and autonomous machines. 
On this contract, Howard University and its con-

sortium will do the work on their college campuses,
and should be finished by January 2028. For more
Howard will form and lead a consortium of historically black colleges with information contact Howard University online at
engineering and technology capabilities essential to military tactical autonomy https://research.howard.edu, or the Air Force Office
research. Watson College photo by Jonathan Cohen of Scientific Research at www.afrl.af.mil/AFOSR.
2304MAE.indb 38 3/31/23 12:03 PM

ELECTRO OPTICS WATCH
Boeing to make final

procurements of airborne
infrared sensors for
stealthy Super Hornet jet
BY John Keller
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – U.S. Navy air combat The infrared sensor The Super Hornet combat aircraft IRST is a
experts are asking electro-optics engineers at the for the Super Hornet’s long-wave infrared detection sensors system that
Boeing Co. to procure 19 airborne infrared search IRST system is on the targets enemy aircraft in conditions where the
and track (IRST) systems to help Navy combat leading edge of the Super Hornet cannot use its radar.
jets detect enemy aircraft without using radar. auxiliary fuel tank on the The system uses infrared search and track tech-
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command bottom of the aircraft. nology to detect and provide weapons-quality track
at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., have solutions on potentially hostile aircraft. The Navy
announced a $43.5 million order to the Boeing Defense, Space and Boeing first flew the IRST Block II pod on an F/A-18E/F
& Security segment in St. Louis to procure the 19 IRST pods, Super Hornet in late 2019. IRST is a passive, long-range sen-
15 supply IRST pod spare parts, 34 fuel tank assemblies, 34 sor incorporating infrared and other sensor technologies for
sensor assembly structures, and special tooling, non-recurring accurate targeting.
engineering, sustainment support, and data. This order represents the final IRST pod assemblies for the
These infrared sensor avionics will go aboard Navy aircraft U.S. Navy, officials say.
like the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based jet The IRST Block II gives the F/A-18 improved optics and
fighter-bomber. The Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control processing power, significantly improving pilot situational aware-
segment in Orlando, Fla., designs the IRST, which enables the ness, Boeing officials say. The Block II variant will be delivered
F/A-18E/F to detect, track, and attack enemy aircraft without to the US Navy in 2021, reaching initial operational capability
making its presence known. shortly thereafter.
2304MAE.indb 39 3/31/23 12:03 PM

ELECTRO OP TIC S WATCH
The IRST Block II is part of the Super Hornet

Block III upgrades to keep the F/A-18 in active service
for decades to come. Block III upgrades also include
enhanced network capability, longer range with con-
formal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature
improvements, and an enhanced communications system.
The IRST fits on the front of the Super Hornet’s cen-
terline fuel tank. Three years ago Navy leaders approved a
restructured program that foregoes full-rate production of
Block I sensors and proceeds directly to the Block II system.
The IRST passive search system consists of a passive
longwave infrared receiver, a processor, inertial measure-
ment unit, and environmental control unit. The infra-
red receiver, processor, and inertial measurement unit fit
inside the sensor, which attaches to the front of the fuel
tank mounted to the aircraft on the BRU-32 bomb rack.
The Navy developed the IRST Block I using com-
ponents from the F-15K/SG aircraft’s infrared receiver,
which is based on the IRST design of the now-retired
Navy F-14 Tomcat jet fighter. IRST Block II includes Army wants new
improvements to the infrared receiver and updated pro-
cessors. The Navy intends to produce 170 IRST systems. electro-optical
Even amid electronic attack or heavy RF and infra-
red countermeasures, IRST provides autonomous, track- means to merge
ing data that increases pilot reaction time, and enhances
survivability by enabling first-look, first-shoot capability, targeting for laser and
Lockheed Martin officials say.
Infrared sensors like the IRST detect the heat from
an aircraft’s engine exhaust or even the heat generated
conventional weapons
by the friction of an aircraft as it passes through the BY John Keller
atmosphere. Unlike radar, infrared sensors do not emit
electronic signals, and do not give away their presence FORT BELVOIR, Va. – U.S. Army targeting experts are reaching out
to adversaries. to industry for new ways of designing electro-optical beam director
This ability can enable Super Hornet pilots to iden- gimbals that merge conventional and high-energy laser targeting.
tify enemy aircraft at long ranges, and enable them to Officials of the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies
fire their air-to-air missiles at their maximum ranges. Office (RCCTO) at Fort Belvoir, Va., released a request for informa-
Data from the IRST system can stand alone or fuse tion (W50RAJ-23-RFI-NBD) for the Novel Beam Directors project.
with the Super Hornet’s other on-board sensor data sit- Merging conventional and high-energy laser targeting could
uational awareness. Lockheed Martin also is develop- enable combat aircraft, armored vehicles, surface warships, and artil-
ing an IRST pod that can be fitted to the F-15C and lery emplacements to combine effects from conventional kinetic
F-16 jet fighters.  weapons like bombs, missiles, and mortar shells with laser weapons
as circumstances and targets dictate.
On this order Boeing will do the work in St. Louis, and should be fin- As high-energy laser weapons evolve, their deployment and use with
ished by April 2026. For more information contact Boeing Defense, conventional kinetic weapons is likely to increase, which will require
Space & Security online at www.boeing.com/company/about-bds, military fire-control systems to handle all these kinds of weapons.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control at www.lockheedmartin. Army researchers want to expand their knowledge of these kinds of
com, or Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil. capabilities in the defense industry, non-traditional defense contractors,
2304MAE.indb 40 3/31/23 12:03 PM

Silicon and InGaAs photodetectors

introduced by Advanced Photonix
Advanced Photonix Inc. in Camarillo, Calif., is introducing sil-
icon (Si) and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) surface-mount
technology (SMT) photodetectors for security, medical, and
communications imaging, industrial controls, opto switches, opto
counters, industrial sensing, light management, and handheld
devices. The family of electro-optical surface-mount devices
(SMDs) are assembled in compact, water-clear P-I-N, APD,
PSD, and 1206 packaging and are available in cut tape, tape box,
tape & reel or custom reel quantities. The optical sensors and
photodiodes are specially designed for automated SMT/SMD
assembly and solder reflow mounts on printed circuit boards and
ceramic substrates. Advanced Photonix’s silicon and InGaAs
SMT detectors come in wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet
(UV) to near infrared (300 nanometers to 1700 nanometers).
The photodetectors range in varying active area sizes from 0.185
square millimeters to 8.07 square millimeters. The company’s
Merging conventional and high-energy laser targeting SMT optical sensors also feature small footprints, low dark cur-
could enable weapons to combine effects from bombs, rent and capacitance, and high sensitivity. For more information
missiles, and mortar shells with laser weapons. contact Advanced Photonix online at www.advancedphotonix.
com, or distributor Digi-Key Electronics at www.digikey.com.
as well as colleges and universities. Army researchers will use Sapphire windows to protect lenses from
this knowledge to develop acquisition strategies, statements contaminants introduced by Meller Optics
of work, and statements of objectives. Meller Optics Inc. in Providence, R.I., is introducing custom
Researchers are interested in ways to combine high-energy fabricated sapphire windows for gimbaled optical systems that
laser weapons and conventional weapons targeting in two protect lenses from chemicals, dirt, saltwater, sand, and other
assembly levels: beam director targeting gimbal systems with fast-moving particulates. Meller sapphire windows provide front
embedded processing and sensors; and targeting sensors and surface protection for optics used in gimbaled systems and are
camera electronics only. Systems should not include cockpit available with multispectral anti-reflective coatings that can meet
displays and controls. salt fog requirements. Second only to diamond in terms of hard-
Industry responses may concern design concepts that ness, sapphire windows can be manufactured to specification in
describe optical layout, mechanical, electrical, and process- sizes from 0.25-inch to 10-inch diameter with varying thicknesses,
ing, as well as estimates with key milestones showing how and can include stepped edges and elliptical edge shaping, holes,
long it would take to design a prototype equipment set; and slots, and wedges. Surface finishes for these sapphire windows
rough estimates of costs. can range from 60 to 40 to 40 to 20 scratch-dig, depending on
Submissions should indicate key enabling technologies configuration. Meller sapphire windows for gimbaled systems are
that require advance development, and describe any internal priced according to configuration and quantity. For more infor-
investments necessary for a successful effort. Submissions also mation contact Meller Optics online at https://melleroptics.com.
should provide any additional recommendations the govern-
ment should consider.  High-resolution XY alignment stages
for research introduced by OES
Companies interested were asked to email 10-page capabilities statements Optimal Engineering Systems Inc. (OES) in Van Nuys,
by March to the Army’s Hillary Roy at [email protected] and Paul Calif., is introducing the AU200-120x120 high-resolution
Kemp at [email protected]. More information is online at https:// high-repeatability XY alignment stages for industrial, medical and
sam.gov/opp/dc550ebb85404766bb25cc903936d139/view. research applications. Easy integration Continued on page 42
2304MAE.indb 41 3/31/23 12:03 PM

L3Harris to provide
shipboard electro-optical
targeting sensors
BY John Keller
WASHINGTON – Military electro-optics experts at L3Harris

Technologies Inc. will provide shipboard sensors for the
fire-control necessary for U.S. Navy and Coast Guard warships
to hit enemy ships and aircraft with naval gun fire under terms
of a $13.7 million order.
Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington
are asking the L3Harris KEO segment in Northampton, Mass., The EOSS is a check sight and targeting sensor for anti-surface
to produce additional MK 20 electro-optical sensor systems and anti-air warfare and naval gun fire support missions.
(EOSS), radar cross sections kits, shock ring kits, and spare parts
for the Navy and Coast Guard. laser, enhanced built-in test, and improved sensor-to-sensor
The EOSS electro-optics system is a check sight and target- boresight alignment. The EOSS meets MIL-S-901D heavy-
ing sensor for anti-surface and anti-air warfare and naval gun weight and large-displacement shock tests.
fire support missions, Navy officials say. The MK 20 MOD 0 incorporates several technology improve-
The MK 20 EOSS is a major component of the MK 34 ments over the MK 46, and new features that support integra-
5-inch guns aboard Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and tion with the MK 34 Gun Weapons System (GWS).
Ticonderoga-class cruisers, as well as aboard the U.S. Coast Guard To integrate with the MK 34 deck gun, the EOSS has a new
Offshore Patrol Cutter, for use against enemy ships, boats, and aircraft. interface electronics unit (IEU) that interfaces with as many as
L-3 KEO has been building the EOSS since 2005. That two deck gun computers and three deck gun consoles to pro-
year L3-KEO won a Navy contract to provide the EOSS for the vide video, target bearing and range, and system status data to all
Ticonderoga-class Cruiser Modernization Program. Company three, while taking commands from any one, L-3 officials say. 
electro-optical engineers built on the MK 46 Optical Sight System to
blend new technologies into the MK 20 shipboard MOD 0 EOSS, On this contract modification L-3 will do the work in Northampton, Mass., and
as well as integrate the system into the MK 34 5-inch deck guns. should be finished by April 2027. For more information contact L3Harris KEO
The MK 20 EOSS has digital stabilization with fiber-optic online at www.l3harris.com, or Naval Sea Systems Command at www.nav-
gyros, a separate eye-safe laser rangefinder with diode-pumped sea.navy.mil.
Continued from page 41 of tooling and fixtures comes through micron repeatability. The AU200-120x120-02 Stage comes with
a precision series of threaded mounting holes. Applications three-phase brushless servo motors and quadrature incremen-
include alignment, inspection, test and measurement, scan- tal encoders, and AU200-120x120-03 has DC servo motors
ning, laser drilling, machining, semiconductor handling, sam- with quadrature incremental encoders. The two closed-loop
pling, assembly, and optical applications. The AU200-120x120 servo motor options offer great resolution, repeatability, posi-
alignment stages feature 120 millimeters of travel in the X tional accuracy, high travel speeds, and great throughput. The
and Y axes. These low-profile 87-millimeter high XY stages, AU200-120x120-04 has the knobs on the stepper motors replaced
have a 188-millimeter x 188-millimeter (7.401 in. x 7.401 in.) with quadrature incremental encoders for position verification.
open aperture. The AU200-120x120-01 XY Stage is stepper The AU200-120x120 alignment stages can be ordered as a com-
motor-driven, featuring a resolution of two microns when using plete plug-and-play system with compatible motion controllers
a 10 micro-steps-per-step micro-stepper motor driver and one with PC interface, joystick and keypad from OES. 
2304MAE.indb 42 3/31/23 12:03 PM

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
The system uses line-of-sight data distribution to share
radar-measurement data among sensors and weapons to
create one distributed integrated air picture. It combines
surveillance and targeting information such that the com-
bined system is greater than the sum of its parts.
The jam-resistant CEC obtains target track information to
form one real-time composite track to help coordinate theater
air and missile defense to engage incoming cruise missiles.
TAC TIC AL N ET WOR KING On this order L3Harris will do the work in Largo, Fla.;
L3Harris to build tactical networking for Menlo Park, Calif.; Lititz, Pa.; and Salt Lake City, and should
E-2D aircraft to blend sensors and weapons be finished by October 2024. For more information contact
U.S. Navy anti-air warfare experts needed an electronics man- L3Harris Technologies online at www.l3harris.com, or Naval
ufacturer to build sensors and weapons tactical networking Sea Systems Command at www.navsea.navy.mil.
terminals for the carrier-based E-2C and E-2D airborne early
warning aircraft. They found their solution from the L3Harris COM PUTE RS
Technologies C5 Integrated Systems segment in Camden, N.J. Lockheed Martin to provide mission
Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in planning computers for F-35 combat aircraft
Washington announced an $41 million order to L3Harris U.S. Navy combat aircraft experts needed logistics and
to build AN/USG-3B Cooperative Engagement Capability mission-planning computer hardware for the F-35 Lightning
(CEC) avionics sets for E-2C and E-2D military aircraft. II joint strike fighter. They found their solution from Lockheed
The CEC is a tactical sensor and weapons network for anti-air Martin Corp. Aeronautics segment in Fort Worth, Texas.
warfare that combines information from sensors operating Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent
over broadly distributed geographic areas in a common tac- River Naval Air Station, Md., have announced a $152.3 mil-
tical picture for battle groups at sea. It improves overall situ- lion contract to provide F-35 logistics information systems
ational awareness, and enables fleet commanders to work to include Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS),
closely together to attack enemy forces from long ranges. Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN), and Mission
The order includes CEC spare parts, signal data pro- Planning Environment (MPE) hardware.
cessors, AN/USG-3B systems, stock point operation and ODIN is a cloud-native computer logistics sustainment
program support, engineering studies and analyses, con- system with an integrated data environment and user
figuration, obsolescence, and technical data management, applications that improve F-35 sustainment and readiness.
and technical data package. This contract includes contract management, planning
The AN/USG-3 is the airborne designation of CEC and readiness reviews, and non-recurring introduction to
deployed in E-2C and E-2D aircraft. Other CEC terminals help field the F-35 ODIN, MPE, and components of any
are aboard Navy surface warships; U.S. Marine Corps com- future ODIN and MPE retrofits for the F-35A, F-35B, and
mand posts, aviation command-and-control centers, and F-35C combat aircraft.
surveillance aerostats.
CEC blends sensors and weapons into an integrated
real-time network that expands the battlespace; enhances
situational awareness; increases depth of fire; enables long
intercept ranges; and improves decision and reaction times.
It extracts and distributes sensor information such
that the superset of this data is available to all participat-
ing CEC-equipped units by fusing the distributed data
from shipboard, airborne, composite tracking network
ground-mobile units, Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile
Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS), and coa-
lition partners into one fire-control-quality air track picture.
2304MAE.indb 43 3/31/23 12:03 PM

SATE LLITE CONTROL

Mangata Networks selects Honeywell to pro-
vide control systems for its 5G SATCOM network
Satellite designers at Mangata Networks in Phoenix needed
a control system for the company’s 5G satellite telecom-
munications constellations. They found their solution from
Honeywell Aerospace, also in Phoenix.
Mangata’s new highly elliptical orbit (HEO) and
medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations —
ODIN is to supersede Lockheed Martin’s ALIS by the made up of 32 satellites — provide communications and
end of this year when all F-35 units are scheduled to have weather monitoring in areas that typically lack quality
ODIN computers and software. The F-35 MPE consists of internet connectivity.
developed applications built from a framework, common The Honeywell Integrated Attitude Control System (IACS)
components, and unique planning components. helps control and steer satellites to ensure the proper alti-
F-35 pilots, maintainers, and support personnel have been tude and position of space vehicles, which is essential for
using ALIS to track and order spare parts, conduct repairs, effective signal communication and solar power genera-
support mission planning and training, and store technical tion to keep the satellites operating efficiently.
data. Still, ALIS was designed with the jet in the early 2000s, Honeywell’s space IACS platform enables continuous
and some of its technology has become outdated; today it connectivity for users of Mangata’s network of telecommu-
creates a system that is slow and difficult to use. nications satellites. The partnership aims to build secure
ODIN is being designed to decrease F-35 administrator high-speed connectivity for businesses and individuals in
and maintainer workload, increase mission capability all remote areas without adequate internet access.
F-35 variants, and enable engineers to develop and deploy “The traditional geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO)
software updates rapidly. constellations already provide broadband and other con-
ODIN will combine Lockheed Martin computer and net- nectivity solutions for consumers and commercial appli-
working hardware with software coded by the government cations, but the existing technology has become too slow
to enable military experts to retain control over the system. by today’s standards,” says Ricky Freeman, president of
The new ODIN hardware is much smaller than the servers defense and space at Honeywell Aerospace.
and the computers that support ALIS. Existing ALIS servers can
weigh more than 800 pounds require a six-foot rack of elec- DATA R ECOR DE RS
tronics and backup power modules, which makes it difficult Mercury to provide data recorders and
to deploy ALIS in austere environments near the front lines. data storage for F/A-18 jet avionics
ODIN hardware, on the other hand, has two transport- U.S. Navy combat aircraft avionics experts needed advanced
able cases about the size of two pieces of carry-on luggage data recorders for F/A-18C/F and EA-18G carrier-based
that collectively weigh about 140 pounds. ALIS software jet fighter-bombers and electronic warfare jets. They
also runs about twice as fast on the ODIN computers than found their solution from Mercury Mission Systems LLC
it did on the old hardware. in Torrance, Calif.
The F-35 is the first tactical aircraft with sustainment
tools designed together with the aircraft to help control the
costs of maintaining a fleet of 5th generation jet fighters.
On this order Lockheed Martin will do the work in
Orlando, Fla., and Fort Worth, Texas, and should be finished
by December 2024. For more information contact Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics online at www.lockheedmartin.com/
en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/aeronautics.html, or
Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil.
2304MAE.indb 44 3/31/23 12:03 PM

Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent

River Naval Air Station, Md., have announced a $35.7 mil-
lion contract to Mercury for data transfer units and avi-
onics data recorders, as part of the Automatic Real-Time,
Reconfigurable Interface Generalization Hardware
Multiprotocol Data Recorder project.
Mercury Mission Systems (formerly Physical Optics Corp.)
will provide 104 1553 data-transfer units — 68 for retro-
fit on F/A-18C-F aircraft and 36 for EA-18G production air-
craft; and 144 high-definition video recorders for retrofit
on F/A-18C-F aircraft.
Mercury predecessor Physical Optics developed a
new Automatic Real-Time, Reconfigurable interface
Generalization Hardware (ARRGH) multiprotocol data
recorder and data storage system as part of the Automatic Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
Real-Time, Reconfigurable Interface Generalization at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., announced contracts to the
Hardware Multiprotocol Data Recorder project. Mercury two companies potentially and collectively worth nearly
acquired Physical Optics in late 2020. a billion dollars on Friday for aviation ground power units.
The phase-one ARRGH design is based on innovative The companies each won 10-year contracts potentially
integration of hybrid transcoding hardware, RAID-based worth $482 million. PD Power will provide 72-kilowatt
mass storage, and intelligent transcoding heuristic soft- ground power units, while Aviation Ground Equipment
ware, Navy officials say. will provide 72-kilowatt ground power units, 144-kilowatt
This 40-Watt, 11-pound design offers seamless on-the- ground power units, and 144-kilowatt universal load banks.
fly rerouting and data translation of input signals to and Ground power units, used at airports and military air
from the data recorder irrespective of interfaces involved. bases, connect to the electrical systems of aircraft while on
A plug-and-play self-sealing environmentally protected the ground to provide either 120-volt AC or 28-volt DC power.
removable memory unit (RMU) enables rapid upgrades Aviation Ground Power offers the AGEC 6021 Air
to avert obsolescence by capitalizing on commercial Force-specified 72-kilowatt Multi-Output Diesel Cart for
solid-state memories. all military applications from land-based theaters to ship-
The second phase of the ARRGH project produced a board environments. The unit offers integrated power
fully functional ground-tested prototype and a flight-test- frequency converter with three modes of operation: 400
ready prototype, as well as defined a platform integration Hz Output, 28 volts DC output, and 270 volts DC output.
roadmap, got started on device certification. PD Power offers the MEP-PU-810C/D units for U.S. mil-
On this contract Mercury will do the work in Torrance, itary applications future users. The unit is mounted on a
Calif., and should be finished by July 2024. For more infor- two-axle wagon-style chassis equipped with surge actu-
mation contact Mercury Mission Systems online at www. ated hydraulic brakes, a lunette-ring hitch tow bar, and is
mrcy.com/products/data-storage-and-transfer, or Naval Air designed for low speed mobility, towed by vehicles with-
Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil. out trailer brake controllers.
PD Power’s MEP-PU-810D model power unit is mounted
POWE R E LEC TRON ICS on a two-axle chassis, equipped with air actuated brakes,
Aviation Ground Equipment and PD Power a 5th wheel kingpin hitch, and is compliant for U.S.
to provide aviation ground power units Department of Transportation (DOT) transport .
U.S. Air Force aviation ground equipment experts needed For more information contact PD Power Systems online
aircraft ground power units to provide electric power to at www.aviationgroundequip.com, Aviation Ground
aircraft on the ground. They found their solutions from Equipment Corp. at https://pdpowersystems.com, or the
Aviation Ground Equipment Corp. in Melville, N.Y., and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center-Robins at www.
from PD Power Systems LLC in Springfield, Va. robins.af.mil/Units/AFLCMC. 
2304MAE.indb 45 3/31/23 12:03 PM

NEW PRODUCTS
AVION ICS E M BE DDE D COM PUTING
ARINC 429 databus line SOSA-aligned processor
receivers for commercial for artificial intelligence (AI)
aviation introduced by Holt introduced by Curtiss-Wright
Holt Integrated Circuits in Mission The Curtiss-Wright Corp. Defense Solutions
Viejo, Calif., is introducing an enhanced division in Ashburn, Va., is introducing the
version of the company’s HI-35980 family VPX3-4936 3U OpenVPX GPGPU processor module
of 8-channel ARINC 429 line receivers for commer- for deep learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence
cial aviation avionics applications. Holt has expanded the (AI), and machine learning. The processor features the
user-programmable label filtering capability of the avion- combination of the NVIDIA Ampere graphics processing
ics databus interface from 16 labels to all 256 labels, and unit (GPU) and a configurable Gen4 PCI Express switch.
increased the 4-word deep receive FIFO to 32 words deep. The NVIDIA Ampere architecture boosts performance
In addition, Holt has added a 32-word deep transmit FIFO and efficiency over the previous NVIDIA Turing gen-
to increase the transmit capability from the single-word eration, including more flexible concurrent execution
buffer on the existing device. The avionics databus device of floating point and inte-
is available in an industrial temperature range of -40 to ger streams. Example
85 degrees Celsius, and an extended temperature range applications for
of -55 to 125 C., with optional burn-in at the higher tem- the embedded
perature. Samples are available from Holt on request. For computing pro-
more information contact Holt Integrated Circuits online cessor include
at www.holtic.com. intelligence, sur-
veillance, and recon-
POWE R E LEC TRON ICS naissance (ISR); electronic
High-power directional couplers for power warfare (EW), high-performance
amplifier test beds introduced by RLC radar; signals intelligence (SIGINT),
RLC Electronics Inc. in Mount Kisco, N.Y., is introducing sensor fusion, and unmanned vehicles.
high-power, high-directivity directional couplers for power The Ampere device’s third-generation Tensor
electronics applications in high-power sampling and signal cores deliver as much as four times the acceleration of AI
leveling; traveling wave tube amplifier; high-power ampli- and machine-learning algorithms, and its -RT cores and
fier test beds; calibration labs; power monitoring; and volt- CUDA core architecture provide twice the performance
age standing wave ratio measurements. RLC offers power compared to the previous generation. While deliver-
coupling as accurate as +/-1.0dB, insertion loss as low as ing close to 18 TFLOPS FP32 peak performance and 68
0.1 to 0.35dB max, and less than 35dB directivity in both dense/136 sparse Tensor TOPS, the NVIDIA Ampere also
directions. These high-power couplers come with 500 to improves power efficiency, yielding 154 GFLOPS per
1000 Watts average power handling to 18 GHz, as well as Watt. The module’s PCI Express Gen4 archi-
100-Watt versions to 40 GHz. Power tecture also doubles the host inter-
couplers are available face bandwidth, eliminating data
in single- and throughput bottlenecks. The rug-
dual-directional ged VPX-4936 module is designed
construction, in compliance with the U.S. Army’s
typically over a C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards
2 octave band- (CMOSS) and is aligned with the Sensor Open
width or less. RLC Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard to sup-
can use SC or 7/16 connectors on port compute-intensive ISR and EW systems. For more
the main line, should this be needed to meet customer information contact Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions
designs. For more information contact RLC Electronics online at www.curtisswrightds.com.
online at https://rlcelectronics.com.
2304MAE.indb 46 3/31/23 12:03 PM

NEW PRODUCTS
R F AN D M ICROWAVE
Travelling wave tube (TWT) amplifiers for
test and measurement introduced by CPI
Communications and Power Industries (CPI)
International Inc. in Palo Alto, Calif., is introducing
two K- and Ka-band travelling wave tube (TWT)-
based instrumentation amplifiers for test and
measurement, communications, electronic war-
fare (EW), and radar. The PTCM1017 and PTCM1027
feature higher gain and efficiency performance
than solid-state amplifiers. Other applications
include RF component testing, electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) testing, and radiated immu-
nity testing. With a frequency coverage of 18 to
26.5 GHz (K-band, PTCM1017) and 26.5 to 40 GHz
(Ka-band, PTCM1027), the amplifiers offer a power
output exceeding 100 Watts continuous wave, and
can also be pulsed using an internal grid modulator.
Operating features include self-test, comprehensive
fault diagnosis, Ethernet remote control and moni- CHASSIS AN D E NCLOSUR ES
toring, and modular plug-and-play field replaceable OpenVPX- and SOSA-aligned 10U embedded
printed circuit boards. The amplifiers also include TWT computing chassis introduced by Pixus
and power supply protection. An Ethernet graphic user Pixus Technologies in Waterloo, Ontario, is introducing the
interface enables connection to any PC or laptop with a OpenVPX- and SOSA-aligned 10U RiCool embedded com-
standard browser. This functionality enables CPI to offer puting chassis for aerospace and defense applications. The
customers on-demand support by remotely connecting 10U RiCool embedded computing chassis supports single,
to the amplifier to provide in-depth diagnosis and care, dual, or N+1 redundant power suppliers that plug in from
should it be needed. The protection systems monitor the rear of the enclosure. The 10U RiCool embedded com-
critical performance parameters to ensure the product puting enclosure features a 6U OpenVPX or SOSA aligned
is not damaged in the event of incorrect operation. The backplane in up to 16 slots at 1-inch pitch and speeds to
TWT heater, grid and cathode voltage are continuously 100 Gigabit Ethernet. The enclosure is extra deep to enable
monitored and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) pro- rear pluggable power supplies. This additional space also
tection is provided. Designed and built to ISO9001 qual- enables RF devices or other modules to fit within the rear of
ity certification, the construction of the PTCM1017 and the chassis. The enclosure also supports a pluggable SOSA
PTCM1027 is based on a modular 6U system that offers aligned chassis manager or a rear mezzanine approach
different configurations. For more information contact that fits behind the backplane without taking up any slot
CPI online at www.cpii.com. space. Each of the two reverse impeller blowers support
191 cubic feet per minute of airflow for powerful cool-
ing in a front-to-rear airflow configuration. The efficient
and hot-swappable fans typically run more quietly than
59 decibels. Various I/O and power options are available,
along with optical or RF interfaces through the backplane.
Pixus offers chassis in commercial grade and MIL rugged
formats. The company also has options for other VITA and
PICMG based standards such as VME, CompactPCI Serial,
SpaceVPX, and xTCA. For more information contact Pixus
Technologies online at https://pixustechnologies.com.
2304MAE46-49_np.indd 47 3/31/23 4:46 PM

NEW PRODUCTS
CON N EC TORS
High-reliability Glenair Micro-D aerospace
and defense connectors introduced by Powell
Electronics distributor Powell Electronics in Swedensboro,
N.J., is introducing TwistPin equipped Micro-D subminia-
ture connectors from Glenair in Glendale, Calif. The Glenair’s
Micro-D subminiature connectors are for high-reliability
defense, aerospace, and industrial applications, and offer
mating performance, high durability, and minimal contact
resistance. These QPL 83513 Micro-D and COTS connec-
tors offer high current ratings, low circuit resistance, and
EMI/RFI shielding. TwistPin contacts set on 0.050 centers
in arrangements from 9 to 130 contacts. Material selection, internalized cabling, making for quick and simple deployments.
fabrication, and heat-treating techniques resist high tem- The VHF and UHF antennas feature multiple-gain options with
perature stress relaxation for as long as 1000 hours at 125 fixed and adjustable dipole configurations. All components are
degrees Celsius. Available with insulated and uninsulated DC grounded for lightning protection and come in optional
wire, printed circuit board,, solder cup, and flex terminations as prefabricated arrays with fixed quarter-wave or half-wave
QPL or commercial variations, the Micro-D devices help meet spacing from the mast. For more information contact KP
high-performance interconnect requirements including high Performance Antennas online at www.kpperformance.com.
temperature and hermetic applications. Space-grade Micro-D
connectors with NASA and ESA screening options also are INTERCONNECT PRODUCTS
available. The products are manufactured in the U.S., and in Rugged Amphenol Nexus mil-spec audio
the United Kingdom. For more information contact Powell connectors offered by CDM
Electronics online at www.powell.com/content/Glenair-Micr Electronics distributor CDM Electronics
o-D-Connector-3100017707, or Glenair at www.glenair.com. Inc. in Turnersville, N.J., is offering the
Amphenol Nexus Technologies AJ and
ANTENNAS AP series of mil-spec audio connec-
VHF and UHF antennas for tors for military command-and-con-
military communications and public trol applications. The AJ and AP series
safety introduced by KP QPL MIL-DTL-55116 and M55116-Type
KP Performance Antennas in Edmonton, Alberta, is introduc- connectors are widely specified for
ing a series of VHF and UHF dipole, collinear, and Yagi anten- mission-critical military, tactical, aerospace, industrial,
nas for military communications, public safety, land mobile and public safety applications, and are made in the United
radio, trunking, and amateur radio applications. The VHF and States. Product groups include the high-performance 5-
UHF exposed dipole arrays, omnidirectional collinear, and Yagi and 6-contact QPL MIL-DTL-55116/1 through M55116/14
antennas cover frequencies of 135 MHz to 512 MHz and fea- interconnects and accessories in standard and lightweight
ture high-power handling of more than 200 Watts. The rug- versions to support military radios, tactical intercom net-
ged outdoor designs of these VHF works, and rugged-environment communications
and UHF antennas ensure requirements. The panel- and cable-mount series
performance in all envi- encompass waterproof, polarized plugs and recep-
ronmental conditions. tacles with either crimp sleeve or solder cup con-
The individual folded and tacts. Right-angle M55116-Type shielded plugs are
straight dipole antennas also available for space-limited designs. Additionally
allow for minimal stor- inventoried is the 50 percent smaller TAC series of
age and efficient trans- 6-to-10 pin M55116-Type connectors optimized
portation. KP also offers to meet the small-format specifications of
pre-configured dipole arrays with soldier-worn applications 
2304MAE.indb 48 3/31/23 12:03 PM

ADVERTISERS INDEX
ADVERTISERPAGE
Airborn Inc............................................................................................... 31
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)...................................................................... C4
Bartington Instruments Ltd........................................................................9
Dawn VME Products................................................................................19 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES
Phone: 1-877-382-9187 / International Callers: +1-847-559-7598
Discovery Semiconductors Inc...................................................................3
E-mail: [email protected]
Elma Electronic Inc..................................................................................13 Web: militaryaerospace.com/subscribe
Fairview Microwave.................................................................................. 17
Gaia Converter US...................................................................................25 VICE PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER Steve Beyer
847-532-4044 ⁄ [email protected]
General Micro Systems Inc........................................................................7
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Keller
IMS International Microwave Symposium.................................................37 603 891-9117 ⁄ [email protected]
Mercury Systems, Inc..............................................................................C2 SENIOR EDITOR Jamie Whitney
Omnetics Connector Corp........................................................................27 603 891-9135 ⁄ [email protected]
Pasternack Enterprises..............................................................................5 CHIEF CONTRIBUTOR Jim Romeo
Phoenix International................................................................................49 ART DIRECTOR Kermit Mulkins
PRODUCTION MANAGER Sheila Ward

Pico Electronics Inc...................................................................................1
AD SERVICES MANAGER Shirley Gamboa
PWR Advanced Cooling Technology........................................................26
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Debbie Bouley
Rantec Power Systems Inc.......................................................................23
603 891-9372 ⁄ [email protected]
VPT.......................................................................................................... 11
www.endeavorbusinessmedia.com
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
EDITORIAL OFFICES
Endeavor Business Media, LLC
Military & Aerospace Electronics
61 Spit Brook Road, Suite 501, Nashua, NH 03060
603 891-0123 ⁄ www.milaero.com
SALES OFFICES
EASTERN US & EASTERN CANADA & UK
Keith Gregory, Sales Manager
508 1/2 Ocean Park Ave., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
732 897-9550 / Cell 917 993-3741
[email protected]
WESTERN CANADA & WEST OF MISSISSIPPI
Maureen Elmaleh, Sales Manager
7475 Miller Street, Arvada, CO 80005
303 975-6381 / Cell 212 920-5051
[email protected]
DIRECTOR LIST RENTAL Kelli Berry
918 831-9782 ⁄ [email protected]
FOR ASSISTANCE WITH MARKETING STRATEGY OR AD CREATION,
PLEASE CONTACT MARKETING SOLUTIONS
SR. DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Steve Porter

[email protected]
ENDEAVOR BUSINESS MEDIA, LLC

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Chris Ferrell
PRESIDENT June Griffin
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Mark Zadell
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Patrick Rains
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Reggie Lawrence
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL OFFICER Tracy Kane
EVP, TECHNOLOGY GROUP Tracy Smith

2101MAE_PhoenixInternational_SC 1 1/6/21 11:02 AM
2304MAE.indb 49 3/31/23 12:03 PM

Who better
to integrate ADI
parts than ADI?
Our integrated microwave assembly (IMA)
solutions build on ADI’s high performance
semiconductor portfolio while enabling:
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2304MAE.indb 4
2304MAE_AnalogDevices.indd 1 3/31/23
3/22/23 12:03 PM
9:01 AM
COMMERCIAL AEROSPACE
Lilium picks Collins

Aerospace for flight control
BY Jamie Whitney
MUNICH - Lilium N.V. in Munich needed Lilium N.V. in Munich is choosing flaps provide advantages in payload, aero-
flight controls for its all-electric verti- Collins Aerospace to provide flight dynamic efficiency and a lower noise pro-
cal take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet. controls for the company’s all-electric file. The engines rely on just a single “stage”
They found their solution from Collins vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet. rotor/stator system driven by an electric
Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. motor with zero emissions
Collins, a Raytheon Technologies company, will design, “Our partnership with Collins Aerospace allows us to reap
develop, and build the Lilium Jet’s inceptors – the sidestick the benefit of five decades of experience in flight deck controls.
system used by the pilot to control the aircraft. Our two companies’ collaborative development approach allows
The Lilium Jet inceptors, Lilium says, will provide safe and us to re-imagine the cockpit and pilot experience, and further
intuitive handling qualities, easy access to functionalities, and strengthens our path towards certification and commercializa-
an aesthetic, ergonomic design. While integrating all conven- tion,” Yves Yemsi, Chief Operating Officer at Lilium, said.
tional mechanical and electrical flight controls into two sides- “Our extensive experience innovating sidestick design is
ticks, the Collins system brings a new piloting philosophy for key when tackling the challenges of redefining the entire flight
single pilot operations in the eVTOL realm. The system will control philosophy for single-pilot aircraft in this new market
also be designed to bring space and weight savings compared of advanced regional air mobility,” said Jean-François Chanut,
to conventional sidesticks. vice president and general manager of Collins Aerospace
As part of the supplier agreement, Collins will certify the Propeller Systems. “This innovating and exciting partner-
Lilium Jet’s inceptors to commercial aviation standards. ship with Lilium is a first step in defining the right solutions
The Lilium Jet utilizes Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust toward more automated, sustainable and safe operations for
(DEVT) where electric jet engines integrated into the wing the future of flight.” 
W W W . M I L I TA R YA E R O S PA C E . C O M April 2023 Military+Aerospace Electronics D1
2304MAE.indb 1 3/31/23 12:03 PM

Photo: 236344169 © Viacheslav Iacobchuk | Dreamstime.com

FAA seeks
industry input on
‘extended-reality’
simulation software
By Jamie Whitney
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) aims to
in Washington has a need for extended-reality software to sup- establish an XR laboratory to use these enabling technologies
port training and technical research and is looking for industry to enhance training, performance, and safety.
input. Extended reality (XR) encapsulates augmented-, virtual-,
and mixed-reality technologies (AR, VR, MR respectively). to the software. Furthermore, XR technology has the potential
AR is the combination of digital and real objects where the to facilitate collection of human performance data that have pre-
digital information is overlaid on the real-world environment. viously been beyond our capabilities. This laboratory will allow
MR also combines digital information with real-world objects, CAMI and the FAA to research the myriad uses of XR for dif-
but enables additional interactions between the user, physical ferent aviation work environments, thereby providing human
objects, and virtual objects. VR is a fully artificial environment factors input on the correct use of these technologies to inter-
that simulates a user’s presences within a virtual setting. These ested parties throughout the agency.
levels of virtuality can be described as existing along a contin- The required delivery includes the software and initial sce-
uum with each serving a different purpose and function for nario development to stand up a fully functional XR Laboratory
workforce solutions. to support training and technical research. The XR Laboratory
The FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) aims will be used by CAMI researchers to collect human in the loop
to establish an XR laboratory to use these enabling technologies (HITL) data in a variety of test environments. The Lab must
to enhance training, performance, and safety. This laboratory will be able to support a variety of research with the ability to add
support research being conducted within the National Airspace additional scenarios as needed. Although laboratory solutions are
System (NAS) Human Factors Safety Research Laboratory not required to support the collection of wearer eye-movement
(AAM-520) on the use of XR technologies within the NAS. data, additional consideration will be given to solutions that
Currently, CAMI performs research using a variety of tradi- can be shown to support the collection of these types of data.
tional simulators and physical equipment. Most of these require CAMI anticipates the XR software solution will include pro-
an associated structure that are expensive and difficult to mod- fessional 3D software; data collection software; and two initial
ify. The XR Lab will leverage the power of augmented, virtual, scenarios – one using VR and one using AR
and mixed reality technologies to create research scenarios and In addition, CAMI says it expects support to include oper-
simulation environments without the associated structural con- ation/functionality of the software; scenario development and
straints – enabling “simulation without structures”. modifications; and exporting performance data from software.
This technology will allow CAMI to rapidly update its simu- The results of this market survey will be used to determine the
lation environments to reflect the frequent changes and advances acquisition strategy in support of an award. 
in NAS technologies and aviation systems. CAMI says that rather
than building a physical mock-up of a simulated environment, Companies were asked to respond by March. More information is online at
which must be rebuilt and/or modified with each change in the https://sam.gov/opp/d0901b02b91a496785fe7e3aa66e5034/view. Email ques-
NAS, the institute could update their simulation with an update tions or concerns to the FAA’s Nia Glover at [email protected].
D2 Military+Aerospace Electronics April 2023 W W W . M I L I T A R Y A E R O S P A C E . C O M
2304MAE.indb 2 3/31/23 12:03 PM

EU taps Collins to coordinate development

Photo: 236344169 © Viacheslav Iacobchuk | Dreamstime.com
of aviation high-voltage distribution

BY Jamie Whitney
CORK, Ireland - Collins Aerospace in

Charlotte, N.C., has been selected by
the European Union’s clean aviation
HECATE project to coordinate the devel-
opment of new high-voltage electric power
distribution technologies for aerospace.
For HECATE, which stands for
Hybrid-ElectriC regional Aircraft dis-
tribution TEchnologies, Collins will lead
the project’s steering committee, while
Safran in Paris will serve as technical coor-
dinator. The two companies will work
with a consortium of 37 European aero-
space industry partners across 10 coun-
tries, including Thales, Diehl Aerospace,
Airbus Defense and Space, Leonardo, and
multiple universities.
The global aviation industry is target-
ing a date of 2050 to remove all carbon
emissions from aircraft. The development Collins Aerospace will coordinate development of high-voltage electric power
of hybrid-electric aircraft is seen as one distribution technologies for aerospace as part of the EU clean aviation HECATE project.
of the key ingredients to zero carbon. To
support hybrid-electric propulsion systems, new high-voltage “With decades of experience supplying electric power sys-
distribution technologies are necessary as electric power lev- tems for the world’s most advanced aircraft, Collins is bringing
els increase from hundreds of kilowatts in today’s aircraft, to that expertise to bear in the development of multiple next-gen
megawatt levels in the aircraft of the future. The HECATE electric technologies that are integral to sustainable flight,” said
consortium will work to address this challenge for regional plat- Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technology
forms, with a goal of demonstrating a more than 500 kilowatts for Collins. “Key among them are high-voltage distribution
hybrid-electric architecture in ground tests by 2025. systems—a critical enabler for hybrid-electric propulsion. In
Collins’ Applied Research and Technology (ART) orga- collaboration with the HECATE consortium, we will develop
nization in Cork, Ireland, will lead the company’s coordina- new high-voltage technologies to help pave the way for future
tion of HECATE, while its facilities in Solihull, England, and hybrid-electric platforms and reduced carbon emissions.”
Nördlingen, Germany, will develop power conversion and sec- “We’re proud to be selected as technical coordinator and sup-
ondary distribution technologies for the project. Safran will ply primary distribution and cabling for the HECATE consor-
supply primary distribution and cabling. Thales in Paris and tium. This project is in line with our strategic aims: it features
Diehl Aerospace in Überlingen, Germany, will contribute spe- breakthrough high-voltage electrical technologies, with a low
cialized power electronics, system control, and energy manage- carbon footprint. This agreement bolsters our position as a key
ment. Airbus Defence and Space in Taufkirchen, Germany, and player in innovative, competitive electrical systems,” says Bruno
Leonardo in Rome will provide the airframer perspective, and Bellanger, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Power
support requirements and validation activities. Division, Safran Electrical & Power. 
W W W . M I L I TA R YA E R O S PA C E . C O M April 2023 Military+Aerospace Electronics D3
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NASA seeks expert input in efforts to

improve its procurement framework
BY Jamie Whitney
WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and NASA is seeking to improve NAIL will apply NASA’s culture of explora-
Space Administration (NASA) in Washington its procurement procedures by tion and innovation to the acquisition life cycle
is seeking procurement ideas and solutions to eliminating bottlenecks in the and empower our acquisition workforce to meet
“encourage innovation from diverse perspec- agency’s processes that slow objectives and challenges such as NASA’s Moon
tives, improve reach, reduce barriers, and ulti- down or block procurements. to Mars exploration approach.”
mately meet and exceed agency goals.” The NAIL framework is designed to facil-
The NASA Acquisition Innovation Launchpad (NAIL), man- itate acquisition techniques and smart program management
aged by the agency’s Office of Procurement, is online, and sub- tools. It provides avenues for managed risk-taking through the
missions of inquiries and ideas will be accepted on a rolling basis. submission, review, prioritization, approval, and measurement
Whether experts want to point out bottlenecks in the agen- of agency testbed efforts submitted by innovation champions
cy’s processes that slow down or block procurements, recom- across the agency. NASA spends approximately $21 billion or
mend tools that increase quality or speed, provide ideas to reduce 85% of its budget on acquiring goods and services. The agency
the burden on industry or barriers to entry, or want to offer aims to use NAIL to further establish a bridge for industry input
outside-the-box thinking to optimize activities within procure- through public focus groups and industry feedback.
ment work, NASA says they want to hear from you. NASA seeks to provide open and transparent communica-
“The NASA Acquisition Innovation Launchpad will serve as tion through integrated groups and councils across the enterprise
a dynamic catalyst for innovation in both procurement and pro- with voices from each of its centers and industry partners. 
gram management processes, tools, and techniques,” said Deputy
Chief Acquisition Officer and Assistant Administrator for the If you are interested in being a part of future NAIL focus groups, please visit
Office of Procurement at NASA Karla Smith Jackson. “The https://www.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nail-industry-interest.
D4 Military+Aerospace Electronics April 2023 W W W . M I L I T A R Y A E R O S P A C E . C O M
2304MAE.indb 4 3/31/23 12:03 PM

Coming AGE: 2024 DOD Budget Facial Recognition Trends in Power Supplies

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2024 DOD budget PG. 4 Facial recognition PG. 12 Trends in power supplies PG.

2304MAE.indb 1 3/31/23 12:03 PM

A Zynq® UltraScale+™ RFSoC plus a full suite of pre-loaded

For full characteristics of these and the

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Is inflation taking a toll on

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2024 DOD budget would

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Boeing to design future E-7A

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – U.S.

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Dynalec to design battle-hardened

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• Military standard for thermal shock and vibration

Johns Hopkins collaborates with NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., - Johns

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Persistent Systems to provide

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Sacramento Airport deploys facial

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DARPA moves forward with project

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The steep upward slope of AI

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The bigger picture to be immune to various types of attacks, including jamming,

DOD is working with industry in a

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Our wide selection of connectors, adapters, cable assemblies,

The Right RF Parts

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Dawn Single Slot

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demand for AI talent in the aerospace and defense

Staying vigilant of AI applications

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Shrinking size and weight

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